Trash or treasure: recycling narratives and reducing political polarisation
- 1 March 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Environmental Politics
- Vol. 22 (2), 312-332
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2012.692935
Abstract
Recycling is an increasingly important tool in global and national efforts for sustainability. Yet, particularly in the United States, there remains disconnect between those who view recycling as a necessity and those who see it as a waste: many conservatives do not support recycling activities, while many liberals do. However, recycling can be framed in language that draws support from both conservatives and liberals. Data from a survey sample of 429 individuals shows that conservative frames of recycling are supported by both conservatives and liberals, whereas liberal frames are supported only by liberals. Similarly ‘duty-based’ citizenship frames are supported by both duty-based and engaged citizens, while ‘engaged’ citizenship frames are supported mainly by engaged citizens. The implications for researchers, educators, administrators, and others involved in recycling are detailed.Keywords
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