LA FAMILIA, LA IDENTIDAD, Y EL AMBIENTALISMO [FAMILY, IDENTITY, AND ENVIRONMENTALISM]: UNDERSTANDING THE MOTIVATORS OF LATINE ENVIRONMENTALISM

Abstract

Latines are one of the fastest growing racial-ethnic groups in the United States and are expected to make up the majority racial-ethnic group by 2043. As a result of this changing population, scholars have begun to investigate Latine environmentalism. While research continues to find that Latines have greater environmental concern, perceptions of risk, and support for environmental policy than whites, few studies have examined the factors that motivate and inhibit Latine environmental attitudes and behavior. This dissertation aims to expand our knowledge of the motivators of Latine political participation, but also develop a more robust understanding of the ways in which Latines conceptualize environmental action, are socialized into environmental engagement, and participate in both civic and political pro-environmental behaviors. Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, I specifically explore the role of racial-ethnic identity, cultural values (e.g., familism and collectivism), and generational cohort as critical factors to our understanding of U.S. Latine environmentalism. I found that cultural values—particularly familism and collectivism values—play a critical role in understanding Latine concern for environmental problems, support for policy, environmental attitudes, and intentions to engage in pro-environmental behavior. My findings suggest that a combination of cultural and political socialization in environmental programming and education may help to mobilize U.S. Latines around environmental issues.