A Look at Social, Economic and Structural Determinants that Shape and/or Influence Attitudes and Perspectives about the Environment in Highland Park, Los Angeles

Abstract

This research paper analyzes results from my research conducted in Highland Park, Los Angeles that had 22 respondents. The goal going into this project was to focus on the perspectives and attitudes towards climate change action and the environment in Highland Park, Los Angeles. Along with looking at which social determinants, if any, influence those attitudes and perspectives whether they be positive or negative influences. The author framed survey questions more towards asking how people perceive their surrounding natural and unnatural environment in their community. The research question: What are the social, structural and economic factors that either allow or constrain someone from thinking about the condition of the natural parts/environment of one's community? Results found that a majority of the participants (90%/20 out of 22) felt that they feel that they can help keep the natural parts of their community clean or in a good condition and 59% responded that taking care of the natural parts of the community, or keeping them in good condition, and attending to the man-made parts of one's life should be equally important. The sample size is small which keeps the author from running any significant statistical tests, but he provides a description of findings through his own observations.