Social Exclusion as Constraint for the Development of Environmentally Friendly Attitudes

Abstract

In this article we investigate the consequences of the phenomenon of social exclusion on the development of environmental concern. We use the concept of social exclusion in order to describe situations where least privileged groups of the population experience a combination of problems, undermining their ability to fully participate in society and to access basic social infrastructures. Our research revealed that certain aspects of social exclusion could be considered significant determinants for the development of environmentally friendly attitudes of four cultural population groups (Roma people, immigrants from ex-USSR countries, Greek citizens of Muslim religion and general population), living in the urban area of Thessaloniki, Greece (n=545). A consistent pattern of factors across groups was shown, predicting environmental attitudes. The important conclusion of this survey is that "social exclusion constraints" effects and not cultural or ethnic effects dictate concern for the environment. When these constraints are not present, environmental attitudes are improved.