BELIEFS
Beliefs are by definition the assumptions regarding relationships between two things. Thus the term environmental beliefs refers to people's assumptions regarding causes and consequences of environmental problems and what strategies are going to succeed in the short term and long term. It has been found that in polluted/contaminated environments people suffer not only from the physical effect of pollutants/contaminants but they also suffer from various misconceptions and stigma (Swarnakar and Sharma, 2009).
BOX 11.1 : CONSEQUENCES OF ARSENIC CONTAMINATION
Thus, people with arsenic suffer from stigma. Sometimes arsenic patients are identified as leprosy patients and are ostracized unkindly by society. The victims are abandoned not only by larger society but also by their relatives and family members. Children of arsenic patients are not allowed to attend social and religious functions as they are believed to have inherited a serious problem (something like leprosy) which might manifest anytime and may be transferred to others. This phenomenon is similar to that observed in cases of HIV positive people in various parts of the country.
(Quoted from Swarnakar and Sharma, 2009) |
Study of beliefs is important for two reasons:
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People may hold ecological (pro-environmental) beliefs and undertake action to prevent destruction of natural environment or they may hold an anthropocentric/instrumental belief that nature can be incessantly exploited for human ends. Some may hold a belief in between the two. The beliefs affect their action and, therefore, in the study of environmental action it is important to study belief systems.
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