Social identity underpins views on climate change
Strategies for building support for climate change mitigation policies should go beyond attempts to improve the public’s understanding of science, according to new research.
The study, published recently in Nature Climate Change, found that when it came to human-induced climate change, the actions and beliefs of both skeptics and believers could be understood as integrated expressions of self, underpinning specific social identities.
Using an online survey of climate change skeptics and believers living in the US, researchers from Monash University and other universities measured differences between the two groups in terms of environmental behaviours, emotional responses, national and global identification, and a number of other variables.
Social scientist Dr Ana-Maria Bliuc from the Monash School of Social Sciences said although there was a growing belief among the general public that climate change was real, there was also a sharp division in beliefs about its causes, with many people skeptical of human-induced change.
“We found the contrasting opinions of believers and skeptics about the causes of climate change provided the basis of social identities that define who they are, what they stand for, and who they stand with (and against),” Dr Bliuc said.
“In making up an aspect of self, these beliefs and emotional reactions can predict support for actions that advance the positions of each group.”
The researchers also found that part of the group consciousness of each group was anger at the opposing side.
“This finding suggests that antagonising skeptics and increasing their anger towards their opponents is likely to polarise them further, making them more committed to act in support of their cause,” Dr Bliuc said.
The researchers suggest the divisions between the two groups are unlikely to be overcome by communication and education strategies alone.
“Interventions that increase angry opposition to action on climate change are especially problematic,” Dr Bliuc said.
“Strategies for building support for mitigation policies should go beyond attempts to improve the public’s understanding of science, to include approaches that will change the relationship between the two groups.”
The study was undertaken by researchers from Monash University, the University of Western Sydney, Murdoch University and Flinders University.
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Over the past 50 years, Monash Arts has positioned itself as a faculty without borders. There are no limits on the faculty’s thinking and no boundaries on their knowledge. The faculty thrives on exploring new ways to see the world. This, combined with their extensive international connections and close to 60 areas of study, makes Monash Arts one of the most popular arts faculties in the world.
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The focus of sociology is the study of human society. It involves the investigation of human groups, communities, institutions and organisations, and the networks of meaning and association which link individuals and groups to the broader social structure of society. Sociologists are also concerned with the analysis of policy, for example public health policy, and its impact on society and individuals. Sociologists have developed a range of research methods and techniques, and theoretical approaches, that can be applied to diverse issues and problems in social life. Coursework studies in sociology at Monash aim to provide the student with a broad range of relevant and widely applicable research skills and equip them for careers in social research, government, industry and the public service.
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