Does Period of Birth Matter? The Boomers, their Successors, and Environmental Concern in the United States

• In Event: Environmental Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 1: Climate Attitudes, Ideology, and Beliefs

Abstract

Generational cohorts—Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers—is a defining and frequently invoked demographic feature in the United States. Research suggests that people born in different generational periods differ in their views on many socioeconomic factors, such as abortion rights, immigration, and aspects of the environment. In this study, we examine whether environmental concern in the United States differs by generational cohort and the extent to which such a difference is influenced by political ideology. We answer these questions using data from the United States General Social survey. We find evidence, based on analysis of these data, that environmental concern in the United States differs by generational cohort. The results suggest that Americans of more recent generations express greater environmental concern, as measured by support for more spending to improve and protect the environment, while Americans of older generations (baby boomers) are more likely to express greater interest in environmental pollution. An important twist in our findings is that while baby boomers appear to have interest in the issue of environmental pollution, they, especially those leaning conservative, do not seem open to spending more to improve and protect the environment. We find that the relationship between generational cohort and environmental concern is moderated by political ideology. Quite importantly, the results indicate that regardless of generation, people identifying as liberals express greater environmental concern than their conservative counterparts.

Authors

• Lazarus Adua, University of Utah

• Brett Clark, University of Utah

• Karen Xuan Zhang, University of Utah