Sociological dimensions of the energy crisis: a follow-up study. [Texas]

Book · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:5156584

Gottlieb, D

This report deals with the results of a second-wave study of the energy-related attitudes and behaviors of a sample of Texas households. The initial study was conducted during the months of April and May 1974 (see EAPA 1: 1175). The major purpose of this second wave was to determine the extent of change, if any, that might have occurred in the energy conservation attitudes, values, and behavior of Texas citizens interviewed in the first study. This follow-up survey was undertaken in the spring and summer of 1975 and leads the authors to conclude that while there is an increase in the number of people who are inclined to be more accepting of the energy-crisis argument, the crisis itself does not represent a major concern for most people. For many people the energy crisis is just one more problem or crisis in everyday life. When asked to assess the importance of the energy crisis in the context of other concerns and problems, the energy crisis ranked last. Respondents placed a much greater emphasis upon concerns with employment, recession, inflation, crime, pollution, medical services, fire and police protection, and educational institutions. It is apparent that there does exist a crisis or problem climate in this country. Within this context and climate of problems and crises, people begin to sort out those of the most personal and immediate concern. The energy crisis is not one that is perceived as demanding an immediate or personal need for resolution. Obviously, in a social climate filled with more-pressing, more-immediate, and more-threatening social, economic, and psychological consequences, it is far fetched to think that people will focus in upon issues that can conveniently be stored away for future consideration.

• OSTI ID: 5156584
• Report Number(s): NP-23009
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320000 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization
530100 -- Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies-- Social & Economic Studies-- (-1989)
BUILDINGS
ECONOMICS
EDUCATION
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SHORTAGES
ENERGY SOURCES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HOUSES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
POPULATIONS
PUBLIC OPINION
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SOCIOLOGY
TEXAS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
USA