Differences in conceptions of the common good and the environment between university students of education and economics

Abstract

The Economy of the Common Good (Felber, 2019), is a new way of understanding the economic relations between people and the environment. In contrast to the predominant economic model, this new economy is committed to putting human dignity and solidarity, trust in other people, cooperation, social justice and ecological sustainability as its priorities. This research asks whether or not university economics and education students have similar conceptions of the values and principles of action that promote the common good and sustainability. To answer the research questions, a survey methodology was employed. A validated questionnaire on "environment and common good" was applied to a sample of 354 students The results show that the students of Education and Economics have significantly different conceptions. These observed differences can guide us in the development of educational programs that promote sustainability and the common good.