Water Consumption. Motivations and obstacles in sustainable consumption practices among young generations

Journal title SOCIOLOGIA DELLA COMUNICAZIONE
Author/s Mario Corsi, Lorenzo Giannini, Ivana Matteucci
Publishing Year 2025 Issue 2024/68
Language Italian Pages 22 P. 119-140 File size 192 KB
DOI 10.3280/SC2024-068009
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Lack of trust in public institutions and perception of insecurity of tap water are considered as fundamental issues that contribute to the low consumption of tap water in Italy. The research explores conceptions, practices, and perceptions related to water consumption among younger generations, focusing on safety and trust as key factors. Grounded in the theory of practices, the study analyzes the relationship between attitudes, perceptions, and consumption methods. A mixed-method approach involved a questionnaire for secondary school students in the Marche region and focus groups. Results confirm limited tap water use, mistrust of public suppliers, and a significant preference for bottled water, driven by perceptions of safety and quality, as well as symbolic associations with purity and naturalness.

Keywords: water, consumption, sustainability, trust, safety, practices

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Mario Corsi, Lorenzo Giannini, Ivana Matteucci, Consumare l’acqua. Motivazioni e ostacoli delle pratiche di consumo sostenibile nelle giovani generazioni in "SOCIOLOGIA DELLA COMUNICAZIONE " 68/2024, pp 119-140, DOI: 10.3280/SC2024-068009