ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG WOMEN IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Broadly, this study is concerned with the relationship between women as homemakers and the environment. As homemakers, women (especially married women, in the case of Singapore) make decisions on the purchase and use of household products. As managers of the home, women also have a key role to play in educating the next generation with environmental awareness and attitudes. Since this is dependent upon the women's own levels of awareness and attitudes, this study sought to assess women on their awareness, attitudes and behaviour regarding environmental issues. Through the use of a survey conducted in the Serangoon area in Singapore, this study found that education, income and the type of occupation are important variables which correspond to women's knowledge, attitudes and behavior towards green issues. The education level of women is an overriding factor which corresponds to their levels of environmental awareness. Furthermore, this study also found that in most cases, their environmental knowledge and attitudes do not necessarily result in environmentally friendly practices in terms of green-consumerism. Despite this, with respect to their roles as educators of their children, most Singaporean women do try to socialize their children in the ways of environmentally friendly lifestyles. The results from the study, however, suggests that regardless of their levels of awareness, the most important concern which governs women's habits in green consumerism is economic.