Cross-National Gender Variation in Environmental Behaviors

This article presents a cross-national examination of gender variations in environmental behaviors. Research on environmental concern reveals modest distinctions between men and women, with women typically displaying higher levels of environmental concern and behavioral adjustments relative to men. Additionally, some prior research suggests that women appear more engaged in household-oriented (private) pro-environment behaviors (e.g., recycling), and men in community/society-oriented (public) pro-environment behaviors (e.g., protests). The analysis provided here offers an important extension to existing research through its cross-cultural, comparative perspective. Copyright (c) 2004 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.

Protest Waves in Western Europe; A Critique of “New Social Movement Theory”

A paradigmatic account of the recent development of social movements has become prominent in European sociology. Labor movements are said to be in decline, and new social movements to be taking their place at the center of contemporary protest and social transformation efforts. These changes are attributed to shifts in the underlying structures of modern society. This article challenges this view, questioning the underlying theoretical assumptions about the relation of class and movement, and offering an alternative framework for understanding recent developments within social movements. The article ends with some reflections on new emerging possibilities