Work

Determinants of Tolerance Among Higher Education Students in Montenegro: Quantitative Insights for Advancing Educational and Societal Sustainability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of youth tolerance in Montenegro and their implications for higher education and societal sustainability. Positioned within the Ed-ucation for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework, it explores how higher education can foster key sustainability competencies—such as critical thinking, empathy, and civic responsibility—through tolerance-oriented education and digital literacy. Based on survey data collected in 2021 from 712 individuals aged 15–30, the study examines how socio-demographic characteristics, political orientations, economic insecurity, and digital media use shape attitudes toward ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. Statistical analysis reveals education as a strong predictor of tolerant attitudes, underscoring the transformative potential of universities in developing sustainability-related competences. Conversely, economic insecurity—particularly high youth unemployment—correlates with exclusionary views, linking social equity directly to sustainable development out-comes. Digital media exerts a dual influence: it enhances awareness of diversity and human rights yet simultaneously reinforces polarization, highlighting the need for digital literacy within ESD-oriented curricula. Despite Montenegro’s formal frameworks pro-moting inclusion, a gap persists between policy and practice. The findings demonstrate that inclusive education, youth engagement, and digital literacy are essential for culti-vating tolerant citizens and advancing cohesive, sustainable societies in post-transition contexts. This study contributes to the growing body of ESD research in higher education by connecting social inclusion, sustainability competencies, and institutional responsi-bility within the global sustainability agenda.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su172411109

Authors: Ivan Piper, Ivana Katnić, Amil Orahovac, Aleksandra Gogić, Miloš Mašković

Institutions: University of Donja Gorica, University of Montenegro

Language: English

Topic: Sustainability in Higher Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896