Gender differences in environmentalism: A case study of Macedonian students

Mile Srbinovski

doi:10.5937/inovacije1604101s

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of gender on environmental worldview in a sample of Macedonian students. The sample used in the final analysis consisted of 448 Macedonian students from 7 elementary and high schools. Participants completed the New Ecological Paradigm scale (NEP; Dunlap et al., 2000). Empirical findings suggest that no firm and clear conclusions can be drawn about the effects of gender on (NEP) environmental concern in a sample of Macedonian students. Findings are discussed in terms of differences between two groups.

Highlights

This study focuses on the impact of gender on environmental worldview and concern
We used revised New Environmental Paradigm scale or New Ecological Paradigm scale known as the NEP scale developed by Dunlap et al (2000)
In contrast to the “dominant social paradigm” (DSP), which views humans as separate from, and superior to nature, the NEP conceives of environmental concern as endorsement of a new ecological worldview where humans are a part of nature (Burn et al.: 137)

Summary

Methods

Base on the above rationale, the following hypothesis was put forward: Because most studies comparing women and men on the NEP found that women scored higher than men, we expected the same. We used revised New Environmental Paradigm scale or New Ecological Paradigm scale known as the NEP scale developed by Dunlap et al (2000). In contrast to the “dominant social paradigm” (DSP), which views humans as separate from, and superior to nature, the NEP conceives of environmental concern as endorsement of a new ecological worldview where humans are a part of nature (Burn et al.: 137). The 15-item revised NEP scale (Dunlap et al, 2000: 433) uses a 5-point Likert scale to measure endorsement of an ecological worldview (Table 1). Each item was measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 5: strongly agree (5), agree (4), neither agree or disagree (3), disagree (2), and strongly disagree (1). The NEP score is calculated as the sum of positive responses for each item: strongly agree plus agree.

Results

Discussion

Conclusion