Social determinants of environmental concern : the case of Çukurambar, Ankara

Abstract

This study aims to explore the effects of gender, income and education level on environmental concern. This aim is based upon a general understanding that environmental problems have to be considered in urban areas for a sustainable world. The empirical study has been conducted in a developing site of Ankara; Çukurambar in which people from different income and education levels live. 64 participants (16 from each group; 8 males, 8 females) from different income levels (low income, middle income, upper- middle income and high income) have been selected through stratified random sampling method. (A questionnaire which includes questions about both demographic information; education, income, family population etc. and environmental issues has been made). The results derived from correlation tables and T- tests show that gender has no significant effect on environmental concern in this case. Education level has a small affect on people in terms of environmental consciousness, however, it increases peoples’ interest and make them watch programs about environmental issues. The most significant determinant of the selected variables; gender, education and income level, is the income level. Although there is no significant difference among other groups, the high income group is significantly different. People, who belong to high income level, show less concern about environment.