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Abstract
This paper examines the determinants of trust in public information on technological risk in a petrochemical complex located in Tarragona (Spain). Data from focus groups (eight) and a questionnaire survey (N = 400) are drawn together to analyse how two local communities exposed to major chemical hazards perceive information on risk and its sources. Results show how trust relies on two main factors, namely expertise and trustworthiness, that are significantly influenced by a third one, antagonism. Results also illustrate the relevance of the institutional context when understanding how communities give meaning to the available information on risk.
Notes
1. These two factors have been identified mainly using statistical techniques based on factorial analysis.
2. This figure refers to the three counties of Alt Camp, Baix Camp and Tarragonès. The most populated towns in the area are Tarragona (134,163), Reus (104,835), Cambrils (29,112), Valls (23,948), Salou (23,398) and Vila‐seca (18,678) (data from 2001 official census).
3. It was necessary to add a second group to the Tarragona‐Centre group given that the first group was poorly attended (just four participants).
4. Hereafter, the numbers in quotations indicate different focus group participants. The name at the end of the quotation indicates the concrete focus group, named according to the neighbourhoods where participants were recruited.