Premium
Opposition to Solid Waste Incineration: Pre‐ Implementation Anxieties Surrounding a New Environmental Controversy *
Author(s) -
Ladd Anthony E.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
sociological inquiry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.446
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1475-682X
pISSN - 0038-0245
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-682x.1991.tb00163.x
Subject(s) - opposition (politics) , incineration , municipal solid waste , environmental sociology , sociology , environmental ethics , environmental planning , social science , political science , engineering , waste management , law , environmental science , politics , philosophy
Despite sociopolitical controversy surrounding the solid waste crisis, little sociological attention has focused on this crucial environmental issue. Drawing on research from the technological controversies, environmental concern, and solid waste literatures, this study examines the pre‐implementation anxieties of a Louisiana community faced with a proposal to build an incinerator in its backyard. Utilizing survey data, a causal path model is developed in which the perceived advantages of the technology, general environmental concern, and support for recycling initiatives are identified as explanatory variables of incinerator opposition. Implications of these findings for the study of technical controversies and the larger solid waste crisis also are suggested.