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The assumption that commitment to society's dominant values & beliefs, or the "dominant social paradigm" (DSP), leads to lack of concern for environmental quality is tested. Data were gathered through a questionnaire mailed to 806 Wash residents in 1976. The hypothesized negative relationship between eight dimensions of the DSP & environmental concern is strongly supported, although some DSP dimensions are found to be more important than are others. Implications of the results are discussed. 3 Tables, 45 References. Modified HA.

This paper examines the extent to which acceptance of dominant social beliefs and conflicting environmental beliefs by individuals helps to explain inconsistencies among environmental attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, it is hypothesized that individuals who demonstrate consistency in their acceptance of key social and environmental beliefs will also demonstrate greater consistency in their environmental attitudes and behaviors. Data from a mail survey of Washington state residents are used to examine this issue. The results suggest modest support for the hypothesis as higher correlations among environmental attitudes and behavior occur for groups who evidence greater integration of important social and environmental beliefs.

Past studies of environmental concern have measured the concept in many ways, often assuming that different types of measures are equivalent. In this study the degree to which different types of measures of environmental concern produce consistent results is examined. The measures are differentiated in terms of the substantive issues reflected in their items, and the theoretical conceptualization used in developing the items. A model is developed which hypothesizes two types of consistency: consistency in the intercorrelations among environmental measures, and consistency in the correlations between the environmental measures and various sociodemographic variables. The review of existing literature and the results of a study of Washington State residents (N = 806) show little support for the assumption that all environmental concern measures are equivalent.

An evaluation of existing knowledge regarding the social bases of public concern with environmental quality. First, 5 popular hypotheses asserting relationships between environmental concern & 8 demographic & social variables are reviewed, with particular attention paid to the theoretical explanations offered in support of each hypothesized relationship. Second, the results of 21 relevant studies are evaluated to determine the degree to which the empirical evidence supports the hypothesized relationships. Third, implications of the results of the review for future research are discussed. 1 Table. AA.

Utilizing survey data for demonstrators at a national antinuclear rally (N=420), as well as a thematic review of the antinuclear literature, this paper examines ideological consensus and diversity evident in the national protest over nuclear power. Our findings reveal a significant amount of overlap between the ideological themes of the movement and the individual beliefs of antinuclear demonstrators. While the demonstrators display a diversity of opinion in their reasons for opposing nuclear power, there is a consensus of belief that future solutions entail shutting down nuclear plants and replacing them with alternative energy sources and conservation programs. Moreover, there is a consensus of belief among demonstrators regarding the values underlying their rationale for movement participation, values that both challenge and incorporate larger dominant beliefs of American society. The implications of these findings for movement theories are suggested.