At home, in public, and in between: gender differences in public, private and transportation pro-environmental behaviors in the US Intermountain West

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch in environmental sociology finds differences between men and women in the performance of pro-environmental behaviors, but gender effects change over time, and vary by location and type of pro-environmental behavior. Thus, research needs to explore gender differences in various pro-environmental behaviors across different contexts, in order to contribute to better understanding of the connections between sustainability and gender equity. This paper analyzes the gendered differences in pro-environmental behaviors in the Intermountain West region of the United States using survey data collected in 2016 from five states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Results of ordinary least squares and ordered logistic regression analyses indicate women are more likely than men to engage in pro-environmental behaviors in the private sphere. Gendered differences are also evident in public pro-environmental behaviors, though results suggest those may be a consequence of higher levels of environmental concern among women. An analysis of transportation behaviors yields mixed results. All three types of behaviors have implications for gender equity.