Fear of Technological Hazards: One Concern or Many?

Surveyed 234 males and 218 females living in agricultural, suburban, or high technology areas by phone and by mail questionnaire on their levels of concern about risks associated with contemporary technology (e.g., contaminated drinking water, nuclear war). A factor analysis showed a single underlying dimension accounting for 50.4% of the variance among the concerns. The overall level of concern was increased among women, minorities, and less educated Ss. It is argued that, for these Ss, the benefits of technology have not led to advantages in status relative to their White, affluent male counterparts. More liberal and religious Ss also expressed increased concern with technology.