Ethnicity as an indicator of inequality in the United States, which can be observed in the risk perception measures

Ethnicity has also been found to be an indicator of inequality in the United States, which can be observed in the risk perception measures. The study of Adeola (2007 - see source document for full reference) revealed differences between foreign-born and native-born residents of the US on the indicators of environmental risk perception, such as industrial air pollution or the danger of the greenhouse effect. The Adeola's (2007) results showed that foreign-born citizens of the US are more risk averse and sceptical when it comes to the sources of information about these risks compared to native-born, predominately white, US citizens. The authors argue that the differences in risk perception and scepticism to the information about environmental hazards between immigrants and other minorities and native US citizens are due to the dissimilarities in cultural backgrounds and social experiences (Adeola, 2007).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Ethnicity, Open-mindedness, Attitudes toward environmental issues

Hazards: Natural hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens