What has hindered the strong adoption of sustainability as a concept in the United States?

The concept that has notably hindered the strong adoption of sustainability in the United States involves the social values rooted in egalitarian communitarianism. This particular perspective emphasizes equal rights, inclusivity, and community welfare, which can sometimes conflict with the pragmatic and often individualistic approaches prevalent in American society.

When sustainability initiatives emerge, they often come packaged with requirements for community cooperation and shared benefits, which may not align with more individualistic values or competitive market practices. As a result, efforts to implement sustainability may struggle to garner widespread support when they demand communal action or redistribution of resources, leading to divisions rather than unification.

This challenge is compounded by how issues of sustainability are framed in political and social discourse, which often focuses on self-interest rather than collective benefit. Consequently, the push for sustainable practices may falter in the face of deeply rooted cultural values, making the adoption of sustainability initiatives a complex societal issue rather than just a technical or economic one.