Green Convictions: What Moves People to Volunteer for the Environment in Sweden? : Exploring the Motivations and Image of Environmental Voluntary Work in Sweden

Sammanfattning

This master’s thesis explores the motivations behind environmental volunteering in Sweden. The study addresses two central research questions: (1) What are the main motivating factors for people in Sweden to engage in voluntary environmental work? and (2) How do Swedish environmental volunteers perceive the civic and environmental impact of their engagement, and what role does national civic culture play in shaping these views? The study situates itself within environmental sociology and volunteer motivation research, with a focus on the Swedish civic context. Drawing on the Self-Determination Theory and the Functional Approach to Volunteering, this thesis investigates both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations using a quantitative methodology. A digital survey was distributed in a snowball-method to Swedish voluntary environmental organisations, yielding 75 responses. The results show that environmental concern, emotional factors such as climate fear, and a desire to make a difference are key drivers. Most volunteers believe their work is meaningful, though many also express a sense of urgency or inadequacy. Generational differences were observed in motivations and attitudes toward compensation. The thesis concludes that intrinsic, value-driven motivations dominate and that Swedish environmental volunteers strongly identify with their role despite perceived political inaction.