Religion and environmental concern : an empirical evaluation of Whites̓ thesis

Author

Carl Michael Hand

Date of Award

3-1982

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Sociology

Major Professor

Kent D. Van Liere

Committee Members

Thomas Hood, Robert Perrin

Abstract

This research attempts to accomplish three basic goals: (1) to review Lynn White's hypothesis and point to its underlying relevance in the environmental literature as a guiding assumption in theoretical research, (2) to provide a justification for examining the empirical link, if any, between religion and environmental attitudes, and (3) to operationalize major concepts of this thesis and provide a preliminary empirical evaluation using available secondary data. White argues that the prevalent environmental crisis in the West can be linked to the distinctive value traditions of the Judeo-Christian faith. Specifically, the biblical teaching that man has the right to dominate nature, coupled with the distinct anthropocentrism of the Judeo-Christian tradition, provided individuals with the rationale to exploit environmental resources. Despite the fact that this thesis has received wide circulation in the environmental literature, little empirical work exists to support the argument.

Four hypotheses were developed to test this basic model . These hypotheses posit that identification with the Judeo-Christian tradition can be linked to a stronger man-over-nature orientation, and subsequently, lower levels of concern about environmental problems. Data to test the hypotheses came from two sources: (1) the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) General Social Surveys collected from 1972 to 1980 (N=approximately 1500 per year) and (2) a statewide sample of Washington State residents collected in 1976 (N=806).

Results indicate weak support for White's model. Those identified with a Judeo-Christian tradition tended to have lower levels of environmental concern, and a stronger man-over-nature orientation than non-Judeo-Christians. Although these findings are expected, the size of the correlations suggest only weak support. Some possible rival hypotheses are suggested in the conclusion to reflect current developments in both economic and religious spheres.

Recommended Citation

Hand, Carl Michael, "Religion and environmental concern : an empirical evaluation of Whites̓ thesis. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1982.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/15017