The proliferation of environmental risk throughout the world is largely a consequence of technological innovation. Nuclear energy, food additives, and chemical production are clear examples of innovations that have resulted in some detrimental consequences to the physical, mental, and psychological well being of persons within industrialized and developing societies. The strong connection of technological innovation to individual and national prosperity makes the accumulation of environmental and health risks unavoidable. Differences between risk experts and affected populations in the conceptualization and assessment of environmental risks, as well as in preferences for management strategies, often lead to conflict between the two groups. Predicting risk judgments of technological hazards requires a consideration of both demographic characteristics and attributes of the hazard. The present study investigated the association between “social class” (i.e. education level, income, and occupation type) and lay persons’ general (i.e., scores on the New Environmental Paradigm) and specific (i.e., scores on Risk Perspectives sub-scale) beliefs about environmental risks. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated education level, income level and employment predicted general beliefs about the environment. Persons with lower levels of education, income and those unemployed exhibited greater risk beliefs. Multiple regression analyses also indicated that education level predicted specific beliefs about the environment. Persons with lower levels of education exhibited higher levels of concern about the negative consequences of specific technological innovation. Suggestions for future investigations are given.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to recognize variations in the way persons of differing social class levels (i.e. education level, income level and occupation status) conceptualize and percieve environmental risks.
Keywords: Risk Assessment, Environmental Health Hazards
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.