Sex Differences in Environmental Concern and Knowledge: The Case of Acid Rain

Examined sex differences in concern about and knowledge of the environmental issue of acid rain (AR) in a multi-item survey of 516 adults. Findings suggest that men tended to be more concerned and knowledgeable about AR than women. Results contradict sex-role socialization theories of sex differences in environmental concern based on single-item measures, which predict that women are more concerned and knowledgeable about the environment. Or: Abstract #2: After summarizing past research which argues that differences between Ms' & Fs' attitudes toward the environment are due to differences in sex-role socialization, gender differences in concern & knowledge regarding one environmental issue-acid rain-are investigated using data from a 1984 telephone survey of 516 Ky adults. Multiple regression analysis reveals little difference in concern over acid rain, though Ms tend to be more knowledgeable. Factors other than gender appear to be of more importance in predicting environmental attitudes, eg, family income, education, & (negatively) watching TV news programs. Results challenge previous sex-role socialization theories; suggestions are offered for further research. 2 Tables, 23 References. K. Hyatt