Environmentalism and risk perception: Empirical analysis of black and white differentials and convergence

This study employs nationally representative data to assess the similarities and differences between Blacks and Whites on measures of environmentalism and risk attitudes in the United States. Theoretically guided hypotheses were formulated and tested. Discriminant analysis of the General Social Survey (GSS) and International Social Survey Program (ISSP) data was conducted using three major themes or modules of environmentalism and risk aversion. The results indicate that Blacks are as concerned as or even more concerned than Whites in terms of general environmental attitudes. Whites, however, exhibit higher scores relative to Blacks on attitudes toward economic aspects of proenvironmental behavior or behavioral orientations. Blacks are more inclined than Whites to favor increasing government spending on environmental protection and are relatively more concerned about environmental problems. While there are some points of agreement, these racial groups exhibit dissimilar environmentalism and risk avoiding behaviors on several measures. White respondents scored significantly lower on risk perception and attitudes toward technological and environmental risks relative to their Black counterparts. Methodological and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.