Perceptional Differences on the Concept of Sustainability Between Japanese and Foreign Students

Abstract

The concept of sustainability has complex and multidisciplinary definition, which includes environmental, social and ecological aspects. How well students perceive the concept of sustainability, and do they really understand the meaning of this concept was the main topic of our study. We have evaluated perceptional difference between 80 Japanese and 80 Non-Japanese students, by creating the special educational program which included topics on global and regional issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, environmental pollution social issues like gender imbalance, health care, human rights and etc. Analysis have shown significant differences between Japanese and Non-Japanese students on the perception of economic development, sustainable communities and livelihoods. As well as Pre- and Post- analysis showed the changes on the perception of the regional issues after the completion of the course. Our study suggests, that the perception on the sustainability may strongly depend on the students’ historical background, cultural differences and living environmental conditions.