Eco-Friends or Foes? Investigating the relationship between Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Xenophobia, Social Dominance Orientation, and System Justification

Rofifah, Oriana (2024) Eco-Friends or Foes? Investigating the relationship between Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Xenophobia, Social Dominance Orientation, and System Justification. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Pro-environmental concerns are paramount, driven by recent catastrophic events like the 2022 European heatwave which claimed over 20,000 lives (Carrington, 2023). This study explores the crucial yet understudied link between Xenophobia, Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), and System Justification and pro-environmental attitudes, which is vital for understanding resistance to acknowledging human-induced global warming. We examine these variables as potential drivers of pro-environmental attitudes. The study sought a nationally representative sample of 1500 Americans via Survey Sampling Incorporated. Participants, recruited through a market research firm, responded to a survey on a 9-point scale, covering political and psychological aspects, with measures for data quality. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the data. High xenophobia levels correlate negatively with pro-environmental behaviour, rooted in resource prioritization over environmental concerns (Sanchez-Mazas and Licata, 2015). SDO, favouring social inequality, inversely relates to pro-environmental attitudes (Pratto et al., 1994), viewing nature as a resource to dominate (Dhon et al., 2014). System Justification, desiring predictability, links to environmental denial (Feygina, Goldsmith, & Jost, 2010). Results show these factors collectively explain 26% of pro environmental attitude variance, emphasizing their substantial impact. Addressing practical implications, reducing xenophobia, promoting shared human identity, and customizing pro environmental campaigns for individuals with SDO tendencies can bolster pro-environmental attitudes. While the study offers valuable insights, future research should include global, culturally diverse samples and explore intersectional aspects of sociodemographic interactions to enhance comprehension of pro-environmental attitudes.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Azevedo Neto, F.A. de
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Applied Social Psychology (ASP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2024 14:29
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2024 14:29
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3089

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