The Social Basis of Agro‐Environmental Concern: Physical versus Social Proximity

Abstract

In this study, we explore the social basis of environmental concern, specifically focusing on attitudes about the agricultural environment in relation to an individual's geographic and social distance from agriculture. We also consider the significance of rural recreational behaviors in relation to agro‐environmental concern. The analysis, based on data from a statewide survey of Ohioans, reveals a strong relationship between one's geographic location along the rural‐urban continuum and attitudes about agriculture and the environment. This relationship, though, does not exist once the effects of social proximity to agriculture are accounted for, suggesting that the relationship between residential location along the rural‐urban continuum and agro‐environmental attitudes may be spurious. The analysis also reveals a strong relationship between participation in rural recreation and attitudes about agriculture and the environment. We describe several conceptual and practical implications of this research for natural‐resource management.

The Influence of Environmentalism on Attitudes Toward Local Agriculture and Urban Expansion

“…The first group reviews support for agriculture in general, and finds broad support for farmers, farming, and what is described as an ''agrarian belief system'' (Sharp and Adua 2009). This agrarianism has several elements-the belief that agriculture is a basic occupation on which all other people depend, the belief that agrarian life is satisfying and good, the belief in the virtue and inner nobility of farmers or yeomen, and the importance of family farms (Montmarquet 1989;Coughenour and Swanson 2002).…”

“…Scholars show widespread support for these ideas, but they have also found that living in a rural area, growing up or living on a farm, and having ties with farmers are associated with higher levels of support for agriculture (Dalecki and Coughenour 1992). Visiting rural areas for recreation is also associated with support for farmers and farming (Willits and Luloff 1995;Sharp and Adua 2009). …”

“…The second group of studies focuses on specific agricultural issues and policies, including public opinion studies on the impacts of farming on soil conservation and water quality, as well as policies designed to preserve farms (Furuseth 1987;Molnar and Duffy 1988;Kline and Wichelns 1996;Harris and Bailey 2002;Sharp and Tucker 2005;Sharp and Adua 2009). According to these studies, living in a rural area, growing up or living on a farm, and having social contact with farmers are associated with support for farmers and trust in their ability to farm in environmentally friendly ways.…”

Exploring links between policy preferences for water reallocation and beliefs, values, attitudes, and social norms in Alberta, Canada

“…Likewise, social norms are expected to have a significant influence on policy preferences. In particular, social and physical proximity to irrigated agriculture may influence agro-environmental concern and thereby have an impact on policy choices impacting agriculture [21].…”

“…Those scoring highly on this factor believe transfers will be more harmful than beneficial. The second factor consists of statements related to perceptions of farmers and irrigation, which may be influenced by social or physical proximity to agriculture [21]. Respondents scoring highly on this factor see agriculture as benefiting them personally and the province in general.…”