Exploring Generation Alpha as Environmental Stewards

In recent years we’ve seen evidence of youth activism related to important social causes. Although much has been written about Millennials and Generation Z, little is known about the generation of young people who are currently at the precipice of adolescence – Generation Alpha (born 2010 and later). This generation will inherit the post-COVID society and will be called upon to meet significant challenges including climate change, economic inequality, Indigenous equity, LGBTQ+ equity, human rights and balancing technological advances with ethical considerations. This study is the first to assess Generation Alpha’s attitudes and behaviours toward society’s greatest challenges, at a critical point in their developmental lifespan – at the cusp of adolescence, when personal and social conscience take form. This will allow organizations in the not-for-profit sector to understand the changing nature of youth to better engage young Canadians in actively solving problems facing the world now and in the future. It will also provide critical benchmark data that will allow researchers to track changes in this generation’s attitudes and behavious as they proceed through the lifespan.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sean Lyons

Student:

Partner:

SoWCool

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Guelph

Program: