Ten statements in the 1993 General Social Surveys that relate to general themes about the environment were reduced to three scales after factor analysis: Pro-Environment, Less-Growth, and Pro-Animal. These scales were regressed on social-economic characteristics of respondents (N = 1,268). It was found that (a) those with lower incomes and less education were more pro-environment and pro-animal, (b) Black respondents were more likely than White respondents to be more pro-environment, (c) younger respondents were more less-growth than older ones, and (d) women were more inclined than men to be supportive of animal rights. Most previous research has found that higher socioeconomic groups are pro-environment. This research suggests there is support to help the environment among lower socioeconomic groups, minorities, and women. There is reason for optimism about the future of the environmental justice movement and the mainstream environmental movement.
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