Sustainable Development From the Family to the Society

Abstract

“Sustainability” means the consideration of economical expectations with environmental and social concerns. This study
examines individual’s sustainable consumption behavior. Participations of this study consist of individuals who have married and live with
his/her family in Karabük, Turkey. The sample size is determined using a random sampling method (n=500). Behaviors of individuals
towards sustainable consumption was measured with “Sustainable Consumption Behavior Scale (SCBs)” developed by Kirac? and
Karalar (2010). Scale consists of 36 items. Beside descriptive statistics, t-test and one way variance analysis (ANOVA) is used in the
analysis of the data. According to the results of the study, it was found that frequency of SCBs was mid-level (=2.83). Analysis of
variance tests show significant differences (p<.05) in perceptions of sustainable consumption behavior to gender, and socio-economic
level, education and occupation. The results of this research have significant implications for policymakers and educators in their search
of strategies for improving the roles of families’ to sustainable development. The ability to act as a responsible and democratic citizen is
a prerequisite for a sustainable development. This skill can be improved by reaching the recent knowledge and lifelong learning.