Elaborating on Gender Differences in Environmentalism

A review of recent research (1988-1998) on gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors found that, contrary to past inconsistencies, a clearer picture has emerged: Women report stronger environmental attitudes and behaviors than men.The author conducted 3 studies on gender differences in environmentalism. Exp 1 examined gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors among primary and secondary school students. Exp 2 examined gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors across 14 countries to test D. Davidson and W. Freudenberg's (1996) conclusions that gender differences in environmentalism are not universal. Evidence of gender differences in environmental attitudes and behaviors was supported across age (Exp 1) and across countries (Exp 2). As a single variable, the effect of gender on proenvironmental behavior was consistently stronger than on environmental attitudes. Explanations for gender differences in environmentalism were examined in Exp 3 with 119 college students. It was found that compared to males, females had higher levels of socialization to be other oriented and socially responsible. Implications for theory, social action, and policy are discussed.