Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Sociology

Date of Award

5-2011

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Martha Copp

Committee Members

Scott H. Beck, Leslie A. McCallister

Abstract

This thesis focuses on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors and the interactions between recycling behavior, food buying attitudes, food buying behaviors, and ecological beliefs. Following an introductory chapter, I present an article-length paper on recycling behavior to be submitted to Environment and Behavior. Data for this study came from a telephone survey of Tennessee residents (N=270). Using OLS regression analysis, I find that recycling behavior is significantly related to access to recycling facilities. I do not find a significant interaction effect between access to recycling facilities and willingness to recycle. I conclude by suggesting that pro-environmental policies need to make structural resources more available to all in order to promote recycling (and protect the environment in general). Positive attitudes alone do not get us very far. My additional thesis research goal of developing an accurate measure of ecological food buying attitudes and behaviors needs further work.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Included in

Sociology Commons

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