Socio-demographic determinants of environmental attitudes, perceptions, place attachment, and environmentally responsible behaviour in Gauteng province, South Africa

Abstract

This study attempts to determine the socio-demographic determinants of environmental attitudes, perceptions, place attachment, and resultant environmental behaviour. Drawing on secondary data collected in the Gauteng province, South Africa, a model was developed to test the relationships between these constructs, using critical ratios and a structural equation model approach. Critical ratio analysis showed that employment status was a positive predictor of perceptions, while none of the other socio-demographic variables tested positively predicted environmental attitudes. Population group, education level, and migration status were positive predictors of place attachment. Results from structural equation modelling indicated that people's satisfaction with amenities like water and waste services in the province were some of the important determinants of environmental attitudes. Results also indicated that perceptions, attitudes and attachment played a positive role in determining environmentally responsible behaviour. This has implications for environmental planning in the province.