An exploration of multigenerational attitudes with regard to environmental issues

The purpose of this piece is to explore generational differences in attitudes toward the natural environment as well as the transmission of such ideas from generation to generation. Theoretical foundations are based on the work of Karl Manheim concerning generations and supplemented by ecofeminist theory to aid in the formation of research hypotheses. Using three scales as measures of environmental attitudes, environmental threat perception, activism, and material sacrifice, research questions are posed to examine the possible existence of generational differences. Additionally, demographic variables are included and research questions posed based on their relationship to environmental attitudes. The outcome of this work will contribute to a greater understanding of multi-generational trends in environmental attitudes that have occurred, and are continuing to develop, in relation to demographic and ideological variables.