Education is a significant predictor of risk perception and attitudes towards those phenomena

This study of Whitfield and colleagues (Whitfield et al., 2009 - see source document for full reference) showed very complex interrelations between the investigated variables. For example, gender and race did not directly influence attitudes toward nuclear power, but they did influence the level of trust in authorities, which was shown to influence those attitudes. Also, education turned out to be a significant predictor of perceived nuclear risk, which affected the level of support for nuclear power. Even though authors of this study did not attempt to explain those interrelations, the study clearly indicates the complexity of perceived nuclear risk and attitudes toward nuclear power, which has to be taken into account when discussing single factors influencing those phenomena.

Cultural Factors: Attitudes toward authorities, Gender roles, Ethnicity, Socio-economic status

Hazards: Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Engage in activities and develop strategies aiming to improve trust between citizens and authorities
• Develop risk assessments methodologies, which consider cultural factors, the manner in which people cognitively process information and which employ a gender perspective