Skip to content Accessibility statement
York Environmental Sustainability Institute
HomeYork Environmental Sustainability InstituteYESI FellowsYESI International Fellows SchemeThe Right to Repair Movement

The Right to Repair Movement

Exploring Cultural and Generational Dynamics

Context

The growing volume of waste generated by modern societies poses a severe threat to the environment, contributing to pollution, resource depletion, and the destruction of natural ecosystems. For example, in 2022, approximately 62 million tonnes of e-waste alone were generated globally, yet only 22.3% of this was formally collected and recycled (WHO, 2024). This alarming trend highlights the critical need for sustainable solutions to manage waste and conserve resources. The Right to Repair (R2R) movement addresses this challenge by advocating for consumers' ability to repair and modify their reparable devices. Repairing products not only reduces waste but also extends the lifespan of devices, promotes resource conservation, and supports the transition to a circular economy. By challenging restrictive repair policies and fostering repair-friendly practices, R2R plays a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable environment and driving systemic changes in consumption patterns.

Aims and Objectives

This project aims to investigate how generational and cultural contexts shape perceptions and practices related to the Right to Repair (R2R), advancing understanding of sustainable consumption and circular economy practices.

Firstly, one of the key focuses is on understanding varying levels of environmental awareness across age groups, particularly between younger generations and older individuals. By exploring cultural influences, the research seeks to identify how societal norms and values manifest in Türkiye where the repair culture is arguably well-established compared to the emerging R2R practices in the UK.

Additionally, the study examines the key factors influencing participation in repair activities. These factors include barriers such as limited access to repair tools and the restrictive nature of manufacturer policies; motivations linked to cost-effectiveness and sustainability; and incentives such as repair-friendly regulations and community support.

This comprehensive analysis aims to uncover the intersections between age, culture, and behaviour, providing practical recommendations to enhance engagement with the "Right to Repair" in both contexts.

Project Outputs

The Right to Repair project has brought together researchers from the University of York and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University to explore how repair and sustainability can help shape a fairer, more circular future.

Building Connections:
In June 2025, Dr Mustafa Enes Tepe visited the University of York, where he shared his research at the YESI International Fellows seminar: The Right to Repair Movement and exchanged ideas on the social and environmental value of repair.  A few months later, in October 2025, Dr Ulrike Ehgartner travelled to Türkiye for a return visit, meeting with academics, students, and local partners to continue the conversation on repair culture and sustainability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6BxmGdsKIY

In the News:
Dr Ehgartner's visit received wide attention from both the university community and local media.  Two university news features covered her visit and seminar, and local Turkish media ran a story about the collaboration - helping to raise public awareness of the project’s goals and impact.

🔗 You can read the full articles via the following links:

University of York Collaborator

Ulrike Ehgartner - School for Business and Society

Dr. Ulrike Ehgartner, PhD in Sociology, is a Research Associate (on FixOurFood, one of four research consortia funded by the £47.5m Transforming UK Food System, Strategic Priorities Fund Programme) based at the School for Business and Society. Her research focus is on sustainability and the role of narratives in driving climate action and social change. Her work explores the ways in which stories, discourses, and framing influence societal responses to environmental challenges, particularly in the context of social innovation and transformation. Much of her research investigates the dynamics of change, looking at how different narratives shape perceptions of sustainability and inform both policy and practice.

International Collaborator

Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey Üniversitesi logo

Dr. Mustafa Enes Tepe - Department of Business Administration, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Türkiye

Dr. Mustafa Enes Tepe, PhD in marketing, is a lecturer at the Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Türkiye. He received his PhD from Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Türkiye. Additionally, to conduct doctoral studies, he spent one year at the Sustainable Consumption Institute, the University of Manchester, supported by a research grant provided by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye). His research interests primarily focus on sustainable consumption, consumer ethics, and ethical consumption, with a specific emphasis on the interplay between ethical principles and sustainability in consumer behavior. His work also explores these areas through a generational lens, analysing how distinct generational cohorts engage with and interpret these concepts.