Hispanic Cultural Influence on Environmental Concern

Abstract

The New Environmental Paradigm scale of environmental concern was applied in two survey populations in south Florida to determine whether differences in ethnic background influenced preferences toward the environment. Hispanic respondents from the general population were found to be very sensitive to an ecological model, whereas non-Hispanics in the general population moderately favored the ecological view. However, the results of the field survey (i.e., sample of Bkayne National Park users) indicated that Hispanic users were ecologically attuned to the environment on a par with non-Hispanics from the general population and from park samples. Although cultural heritage may play a role in determining environmental attitudes, exposure to situational opportunities such as park use and other social factors may influence a shift in those beliefs.