ENVIRONMENTAL BELIEF SYSTEMS: EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE AND A TYPOLOGY

Abstract

The article presents an overview of some theory-based classifications of environmental belief systems and compares them with an empirical structure of environmental beliefs in an Estonian sample (N = 440). Based on factor analysis, the main organizing principles of environmental beliefs in the Estonian context are described. Respondents were classified into four groups (pragmatic, conservationist, radical ecocentric and indifferent) according to the structure of their environmental beliefs, and predictable associations between environmental beliefs and preferences towards societal development were found.