The Ethical Dilemma of Producing Dark-ness and Projecting Green-ness: A Case of Norway

Abstract

This thesis investigates Norwegian students' perceptions of Norway's dual role as a global leader in green initiatives and a major oil exporter. While existing research addresses political and economic dimensions, little explores young people's perspectives on this ethical dilemma. This study fills this gap by examining students’ attitudes through the lenses of Moral Licensing and Moral Disengagement theories. Data were collected via qualitative interviews including vignettes with 13 students, focusing on their awareness, rationalizations, and critiques of Norway's oil-green contradiction. The results show that, for most students, while the production of oil is necessary economically, they emphasize a gradual shift to greener alternatives. Some critique the green initiatives by Norway as a hypocrisy, even greenwashing, whereas others justify oil dependency based on moral reasoning mechanisms tied to economic stability. The study sheds light on the complex ways students navigate systemic contradictions, providing perspectives on public attitudes toward sustainability and ethical dilemmas.