Race and Environmental Willingness

Abstract

The measurement of one’s race and their willingness to protect the environment is limited and infrequently looked at in existing literature. Yet, race is one of the largest demographic factors to examine when investigating environmental action and concern among individuals. Existing research repeatedly shows the differences in environmental concern between Whites and colored minorities but specifically disregards Asians and other overlooked racial groups. In this study, I examine four racial groups (White, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Hispanic) by conducting a secondary data analysis using the 2021 General Social Survey (GSS) data. I focus on which of the four racial groups presents more willingness to protect the environment. I investigate the willingness these racial groups exhibit by their responses in paying higher prices, paying higher taxes, and accepting cuts in their standard of living to protect the environment. I conduct an ANOVA to test if there are statistical differences among the four racial groups. Arguing against the mixed literature, I find statistical significance that Asians are more willing to protect the environment in one of the three measures provided. However, Asians and Pacific Islanders presented more willingness on all three measures compared to the other race groups. These findings suggest that future researchers should conduct additional studies on this topic as there is minimal data, as well as examine other factors of action and willingness among different racial groups.

Details

Session 1

9:30am – 11:00am

Grand Salon