Social and cultural determinants in the perception of environmental risks: Douglas grid group analysis
- Pages
- 98-115
Abstract
This research aims to determine the characteristics of the perception of environmental risks using the case of a salt deposit in the Kaliningrad region as an example. To achieve this aim, the author analyzed the social and cultural determinants of the population. The grid-group analysis was used as a supporting technique for the identification of cultural determinants. The following cultural determinants were identified: individualism, hierarchism, fatalism and egalitarianism. Social determinants were factors related to the respondents' living environment — urban or rural. The main method of research was a focus group with subsequent processing of results using ATLAS.ti software programme. The study revealed that environmental risks are not a priority problem for the region. Rural residents are more concerned about environmental risks. There are similarities in the assessments of environmental conditions by urban and rural residents. However, the author identified some differences particularly regarding the development of the salt deposit. These differences can be explained by different cultural types: a negative attitude prevails among individualists and egalitarians, a contrasting position prevails among hierarchs. It has been established that there are socially determined forms of communication regarding overcoming environmental risks, for instance, word of mouth and appeals to government institutions (villagers) and street protests (city residents). There are also differences in the choice of effective methods of risk communication, depending on the respondent’s cultural type. Hierarchs prefer communication in social networks; egalitarians tend to organize petitions and appeal to the authorities; the fatalists do not express their own opinion; individuals strive for greater control over the situation and therefore prefer all possible forms of interaction.
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