| The purpose of this study is to examine the similarities and differences between the ways urban, suburban, and rural residents perceive the concept of sustainability. Components of the UN Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability serve as a standard in this project to examine how closely people's perceptions of sustainability correspond to the Commission's definition. Seven facets of sustainability were explored: sustainability and human welfare, environmental aspects, economic aspects, social aspects, socio-economic responsibility, generational responsibility, and personal connection. A survey was conducted and responses were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The three community types generally shared similar perspectives of sustainability issues, though the strength of their opinions varied. Responses generally corresponded to the Brundtland Commission's definition, with a few notable exceptions. Community type may be a factor in the way people understand the terms and dimensions associated with sustainability, but not in the way the overall concept is understood. |
