New Ecological Paradigm
Riley Dunlap et al.
The NEP explores the current state of our
understanding of nature and our relation to it.
First, how to read Dunlap et al:
Focus on their assessment of the content of the
scale, and its usefulness at measuring the
construct of an ecological paradigm
Skim the material on constructing the new scale,
and internal consistency (pp 434-435).
Do carefully read about the scales Predictive
Validity (p. 436)
And about Trends (p. 437).
Example: Exceptionalism:
(4) Human ingenuity will insure that we do
NOT make the earth unlivable.
(9) Despite our special abilities, humans
are still subject to the laws of nature.
(14) Humans will eventually learn enough
about how nature works to control it.
New Ecological Paradigm
Riley Dunlap et al.
Dunlap et al. had several goals in survey:
Recognize and capture shift from obvious,
point problems like local air and water
pollution to env. problems that are:
Geographically disperse
Less directly observable
Ambiguous in origin
Need to measure awareness over environmental
issues
New Ecological Paradigm
Riley Dunlap et al.
Youll recognize the set of perceptions and
notions of nature in the 15 polar statements
Dunlap et al use to measure commitment to
NEP or DSP:
The reality of growth limits (1, 6, 11)
Anti-anthropocentrism (2, 7, 12)
Fragility of natures balance (3, 8, 13)
Rejection of exemptionalism (4, 9, 14)
Possibility of eco-crisis (5, 10, 15)
Example: Fragility of natures balance
(3) Humans are severely abusing the
environment.
(8) The balance of nature is strong enough
to cope with the impacts of modern
industrial nations.
(13) The balance of nature is very delicate
and easily upset.
Riley Dunlap et al.
Dunlap et al. had several problems:
Are they measuring a unitary construct?
Is it meaningful?
Does it tap foundational beliefs, primitive
beliefs?
Does pro NEP attitudes lead to pro
environmental behaviors?
Does NEP predict?
1
Example of a fundamental notion: Our
assessment of natures basic operating
code: is it inherently forgiving and stable,
or unbalance and inherently unstable?
Can we perturb it a lot or only a little?
(3) Humans are severely abusing the
environment.
(8) The balance of nature is strong enough to
cope with the impacts of modern industrial
nations.
(13) The balance of nature is very delicate and
easily upset.
Dunalp conclusions
They do find support for NEP among: younger,
more educated, liberal groups.
Less among more rural, conservative and
people employed in primary industries (e.g.,
farming, logging, etc.). Thus it predicts in the
sense it supports other surveys.
Trend: There is little longitudinal data, but:
increases in NEP support in WA and KY studies.
My sense: both aspects of survey: ability to
predict behavior and whether theres authentic
trend to fundamental NEPness need more
analysis.