During the COVID-19 pandemic, science has been prominently featured in institutional communicatio... more During the COVID-19 pandemic, science has been prominently featured in institutional communication and political agendas as never before. Governments substantially relied on scientific experts to analyze pandemic trends, develop anti-COVID-19 vaccines and adopt containment strategies. In this paper, we analyze speeches by three political leaders–Boris Johnson (Prime Minister, UK), Sergio Mattarella (President of the Republic, Italy), and Ursula von der Leyen (President, European Commission)–between February 20, 2020, and February 20, 2022, to identify how science was addressed and framed. The results of the quantitative and qualitative exploration of the speeches highlight three main ways in which political leaders view science: a national pride narrative–i.e., science as an instrument and indicator of national pride and international standing of the country; an ethical narrative–i.e., science as an agent of social growth; an integration narrative–i.e., science as a driving force of...
Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society
Recent research exploring the relationships between gender and populism has shown that populist p... more Recent research exploring the relationships between gender and populism has shown that populist parties, mainly right-wing, usually do not advance a women-friendly agenda and do not provide women-favorable environments. Nevertheless, concerns about women’s rights and combating violence against women are gaining space within populist discourse. In this contribution, we analyze the tweets of populist female MPs in the Italian Parliament to explore their discourse on gender issues, paying particular attention to gender-based violence and the internal differences in the discourse of populist female MPs. The results show how right-wing female MPs promote a “right-wing” version of women’s rights, especially when dealing with gender-based violence. The results also point out the differences in populist discourse on gender and gender-based violence in different varieties of populism.
The Structure and Potential of "Deviant" Opinions on GM Foods in Europe, 2008
Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans again... more Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans against the possible introduction of genetically modified foods (GFs). Few analyses, however, have considered how opinions concerning such foods are formed. This study draws on data collected by Eurobarometer 58.0 of 2002 to examine the factors associated with the acceptance of GF. To gain better understanding of the reasons for rejecting, or conversely accepting, their introduction, the article also considers the opinions of those respondents who, unlike the majority, would be willing to purchase GF. The results show that, firstly, sociocultural factors far outweigh demographic ones in explaining the differences among attitudes towards GF. Indeed, it is above all trust in the applications of biotechnologies and in the actors involved in the development of such foods that favours their acceptance. Secondly, the analysis highlights that the public is not irrational. Its positions, whether for or against GF, are based on a process in which the ‘good reasons’ for the choice are appraised, and in which an important role is played by worldviews and values.
Nobel Banquet speeches from laureates in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine available in ... more Nobel Banquet speeches from laureates in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine available in English as of April, 2019. Source: Nobelprize.org
Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans again... more Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans against the possible introduction of genetically modified foods (GFs). Few analyses, however, have considered how opinions concerning such foods are formed. This study draws on data collected by Eurobarometer 58.0 of 2002 to examine the factors associated with the acceptance of GF. To gain better understanding of the reasons for rejecting, or conversely accepting, their introduction, the article also considers the opinions of those respondents who, unlike the majority, would be willing to purchase GF. The results show that, firstly, sociocultural factors far outweigh demographic ones in explaining the differences among attitudes towards GF. Indeed, it is above all trust in the applications of biotechnologies and in the actors involved in the development of such foods that favours their acceptance. Secondly, the analysis highlights that the public is not irrational. Its positions, whether for ...
Environmentalism is a highly fragmented movement consisting of a vast archipelago of groups and c... more Environmentalism is a highly fragmented movement consisting of a vast archipelago of groups and coalitions committed to defence of the environment. Some of them embrace values in conflict with those of the larger organizations. This aspect, however, has been little examined by empirical research. This study addresses the issue of surveying the propensity to undertake action to protect the environment. It highlights the need to bear in mind the plurality of meanings and motivations that induce citizens to mobilize in defence of the planet. In this regard, the environmental concern index developed enables the isolation, within large-scale sample surveys (WVS and ISSP), of an often elusive phenomenon: the presence of individuals with a pronounced degree of activism but who do not share the attitudes of the majority of environmentalists. These individuals may belong to environmental justice, NIMBY, animal rights or deep ecology groups
Objectives. The study examines mobilizations for defence of the environment. It deals
in partic... more Objectives. The study examines mobilizations for defence of the environment. It deals
in particular with the problem of “measuring” the phenomenon, bearing in mind the
different motivations which induce citizens take action. Methods. The article draws
on the data collected by the 2000 World Values Survey and the International Social
Survey Program for certain European countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great
Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). Scale analysis is used to
construct two unidimensional indexes of environmental concern. Analysis of the
Guttman errors highlights the wide variety of the reasons that induce
environmentalists to act. Finally, examination of the documents published on the
websites of certain environmental defence organizations sheds further light on the
motives for mobilization. Results. This analysis shows that environmentalism is not
monolithic. Rather, it can be seen as an archipelago of movements and worldviews.
A minority of environmentalists act for reasons entirely different from those of the
majority. These individuals may belong to environmental justice, NIMBY, animal
rights or deep ecology groups. Conclusions. In order to evaluate environmental
concern more thoroughly, the principal surveys should examine important aspects of
mobilization such as the local dimension, support for environment-friendly economic
measures, the level of involvement in organizations, and the more or less romantic
vision of mankind’s relationship with nature.
Crisi economica, crisi ambientale, nuovi modelli sociali. Atti del 7° convegno dei sociologi dell’ambiente italiani, 2011
In Crisi economica, crisi ambientale, nuovi modelli sociali. Atti del 7° convegno dei sociologi d... more In Crisi economica, crisi ambientale, nuovi modelli sociali. Atti del 7° convegno dei sociologi dell'ambiente italiani. 2009. ISBN 978-88-8443-382-4
This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right popul... more This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right populist in ten European countries. It provides confirmation of the so-called syndrome of the ‘losers of globalization’ which the literature indicates as a predictor of the radical right vote and which consists in perceptions of declining standard of living, blaming of migrants and generalized concerns with personal security. In addition, it examines the propensity to vote for radical right parties when they are, or are not, in an incumbent position. It hypothesizes that their electoral success will be inversely related to their incumbent role. This is because they are mainly defined and voted as anti-system parties, and any incumbent role undermines this self-characterization. The article provides confirmation of this hypothesis.
Introduzione La mobilitazione, o comunque l’ostilita, nei confronti delle innovazioni tecnologich... more Introduzione La mobilitazione, o comunque l’ostilita, nei confronti delle innovazioni tecnologiche non e certamente un fenomeno recente: basti pensare alle manifestazioni contro le centrali nucleari o gli impianti industriali a forte impatto ambientale succedutesi nelle societa occidentali a partire dagli anni Sessanta (Pellizzoni e Osti, 2003, 43-56). Cio che pare caratterizzare la nuova fase di conflitti sociali legati all’applicazione dei risultati della genetica e tuttavia il venir meno, ...
European Parliament elections have often been defined second-order elections, focused on national... more European Parliament elections have often been defined second-order elections, focused on national rather than transnational issues. This paper investigates the combined impact of Eurosceptic populism and social media in the development of the campaign during the 2019 European Parliament elections. It evaluates how populist and non-populist politicians and parties campaigned for the European elections on Twitter by using the case study of Italy. Computer-assisted quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis of social media content are used to assess the relevance of Europe in political communication and the strategies used by different political actors. Findings show that the concept of nation plays a central role in the campaign, with Europe depicted either as an enemy (by nationalist populism) or a saviour (by pro-Europeans). Moreover, there is e tendency towards a "populist shift" in the communication style.
This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right popul... more This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right populist in ten European countries. It provides confirmation of the so-called syndrome of the ‘losers of globalization’ which the literature indicates as a predictor of the radical right vote and which consists in perceptions of declining standard of living, blaming of migrants and generalized concerns with personal security. In addition, it examines the propensity to vote for radical right parties when they are, or are not, in an incumbent position. It hypothesizes that their electoral success will be inversely related to their incumbent role. This is because they are mainly defined and voted as anti-system parties, and any incumbent role undermines this self-characterization. The article provides confirmation of this hypothesis.
Questo quaderno nasce dall’esigenza di fare conoscere i dati disponibili presso l’Italian Data Ar... more Questo quaderno nasce dall’esigenza di fare conoscere i dati disponibili presso l’Italian Data Archive for the Social Sciences (IDAss) -sviluppato a partire dall’Archivio Dati del Laboratorio di Ricerca Didattica della Facolta di Sociologia dell’Universita di Trento- e di promuoverne un utilizzo consapevole per l’analisi secondaria. E uno strumento agevole, una sorta di guida ragionata ai dati esistenti, organizzata per aree tematiche. Una risorsa usata dallo staff del Dipartimento di Sociologia e Ricerca Sociale e dagli studenti della Facolta, ma utile anche a ricercatori e studenti di altre sedi. Il catalogo on-line dell’IDAss (www.idass.unitn.it) rappresenta una risorsa complementare a questo quaderno, dove possono essere ritrovate le fonti citate e maggiori informazioni su tipo di dati, contenuto informativo, caratteristiche della rilevazione e modalita di accesso ai data-set.
The article conceptualizes character assassination (CA) as a tactic of populist communication on ... more The article conceptualizes character assassination (CA) as a tactic of populist communication on social media by using the case study of Italian politician Matteo Salvini. CA consists of personal attacks aimed at damaging the reputation of individuals, used as political means to attack the “enemies of the people.” By means of CA, populists operate a shift from issues and arguments toward individual traits and behaviors. CA’s importance is linked to the features of social media communication (i.e. disintermediation, speed, virality, fragmentation, emotionality). The article uses content analysis of tweets, and qualitative analysis of relevant examples; it demonstrates the strategic nature of CA in Salvini’s communication and identifies five functions (i.e. polarizing, personalizing, symbolic, discriminating, emotional) of CA in right-wing populist communication. CA’s logic is unpacked, by showing how the delegitimization of individuals is used to reinforce a populist communication st...
Underage drinking is common in Italy. Children experiment under parental supervision their first ... more Underage drinking is common in Italy. Children experiment under parental supervision their first sip of alcohol as family is reputed a factor of mitigation of unwanted consequences. However, evidence about later age outcomes is not conclusive. Methods. A national sample of 1.180 lower secondary school students (12-14), was surveyed for first drinking experience, subsequent drinking and opinions on alcohol. Multivariate analysis was conducted using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis. Results. 1) alcohol use (including drunkenness) is mediated by frequency but also by facility of access and peers. Positive alcohol appreciation normalizes the idea that moderate drinking is unproblematic; 2) girls are more exposed to drunkenness if their peers get drunk; 3) initiation under adults external to parents expose to uncontrolled drinking; 4) a positive appreciation at first experience confirms higher consumption levels but not excess. Conclusion. Alcohol initiation seems relatively i...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, science has been prominently featured in institutional communicatio... more During the COVID-19 pandemic, science has been prominently featured in institutional communication and political agendas as never before. Governments substantially relied on scientific experts to analyze pandemic trends, develop anti-COVID-19 vaccines and adopt containment strategies. In this paper, we analyze speeches by three political leaders–Boris Johnson (Prime Minister, UK), Sergio Mattarella (President of the Republic, Italy), and Ursula von der Leyen (President, European Commission)–between February 20, 2020, and February 20, 2022, to identify how science was addressed and framed. The results of the quantitative and qualitative exploration of the speeches highlight three main ways in which political leaders view science: a national pride narrative–i.e., science as an instrument and indicator of national pride and international standing of the country; an ethical narrative–i.e., science as an agent of social growth; an integration narrative–i.e., science as a driving force of...
Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society
Recent research exploring the relationships between gender and populism has shown that populist p... more Recent research exploring the relationships between gender and populism has shown that populist parties, mainly right-wing, usually do not advance a women-friendly agenda and do not provide women-favorable environments. Nevertheless, concerns about women’s rights and combating violence against women are gaining space within populist discourse. In this contribution, we analyze the tweets of populist female MPs in the Italian Parliament to explore their discourse on gender issues, paying particular attention to gender-based violence and the internal differences in the discourse of populist female MPs. The results show how right-wing female MPs promote a “right-wing” version of women’s rights, especially when dealing with gender-based violence. The results also point out the differences in populist discourse on gender and gender-based violence in different varieties of populism.
The Structure and Potential of "Deviant" Opinions on GM Foods in Europe, 2008
Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans again... more Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans against the possible introduction of genetically modified foods (GFs). Few analyses, however, have considered how opinions concerning such foods are formed. This study draws on data collected by Eurobarometer 58.0 of 2002 to examine the factors associated with the acceptance of GF. To gain better understanding of the reasons for rejecting, or conversely accepting, their introduction, the article also considers the opinions of those respondents who, unlike the majority, would be willing to purchase GF. The results show that, firstly, sociocultural factors far outweigh demographic ones in explaining the differences among attitudes towards GF. Indeed, it is above all trust in the applications of biotechnologies and in the actors involved in the development of such foods that favours their acceptance. Secondly, the analysis highlights that the public is not irrational. Its positions, whether for or against GF, are based on a process in which the ‘good reasons’ for the choice are appraised, and in which an important role is played by worldviews and values.
Nobel Banquet speeches from laureates in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine available in ... more Nobel Banquet speeches from laureates in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine available in English as of April, 2019. Source: Nobelprize.org
Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans again... more Since the early 1990s Eurobarometer surveys have reported the great resistance of Europeans against the possible introduction of genetically modified foods (GFs). Few analyses, however, have considered how opinions concerning such foods are formed. This study draws on data collected by Eurobarometer 58.0 of 2002 to examine the factors associated with the acceptance of GF. To gain better understanding of the reasons for rejecting, or conversely accepting, their introduction, the article also considers the opinions of those respondents who, unlike the majority, would be willing to purchase GF. The results show that, firstly, sociocultural factors far outweigh demographic ones in explaining the differences among attitudes towards GF. Indeed, it is above all trust in the applications of biotechnologies and in the actors involved in the development of such foods that favours their acceptance. Secondly, the analysis highlights that the public is not irrational. Its positions, whether for ...
Environmentalism is a highly fragmented movement consisting of a vast archipelago of groups and c... more Environmentalism is a highly fragmented movement consisting of a vast archipelago of groups and coalitions committed to defence of the environment. Some of them embrace values in conflict with those of the larger organizations. This aspect, however, has been little examined by empirical research. This study addresses the issue of surveying the propensity to undertake action to protect the environment. It highlights the need to bear in mind the plurality of meanings and motivations that induce citizens to mobilize in defence of the planet. In this regard, the environmental concern index developed enables the isolation, within large-scale sample surveys (WVS and ISSP), of an often elusive phenomenon: the presence of individuals with a pronounced degree of activism but who do not share the attitudes of the majority of environmentalists. These individuals may belong to environmental justice, NIMBY, animal rights or deep ecology groups
Objectives. The study examines mobilizations for defence of the environment. It deals
in partic... more Objectives. The study examines mobilizations for defence of the environment. It deals
in particular with the problem of “measuring” the phenomenon, bearing in mind the
different motivations which induce citizens take action. Methods. The article draws
on the data collected by the 2000 World Values Survey and the International Social
Survey Program for certain European countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great
Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). Scale analysis is used to
construct two unidimensional indexes of environmental concern. Analysis of the
Guttman errors highlights the wide variety of the reasons that induce
environmentalists to act. Finally, examination of the documents published on the
websites of certain environmental defence organizations sheds further light on the
motives for mobilization. Results. This analysis shows that environmentalism is not
monolithic. Rather, it can be seen as an archipelago of movements and worldviews.
A minority of environmentalists act for reasons entirely different from those of the
majority. These individuals may belong to environmental justice, NIMBY, animal
rights or deep ecology groups. Conclusions. In order to evaluate environmental
concern more thoroughly, the principal surveys should examine important aspects of
mobilization such as the local dimension, support for environment-friendly economic
measures, the level of involvement in organizations, and the more or less romantic
vision of mankind’s relationship with nature.
Crisi economica, crisi ambientale, nuovi modelli sociali. Atti del 7° convegno dei sociologi dell’ambiente italiani, 2011
In Crisi economica, crisi ambientale, nuovi modelli sociali. Atti del 7° convegno dei sociologi d... more In Crisi economica, crisi ambientale, nuovi modelli sociali. Atti del 7° convegno dei sociologi dell'ambiente italiani. 2009. ISBN 978-88-8443-382-4
This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right popul... more This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right populist in ten European countries. It provides confirmation of the so-called syndrome of the ‘losers of globalization’ which the literature indicates as a predictor of the radical right vote and which consists in perceptions of declining standard of living, blaming of migrants and generalized concerns with personal security. In addition, it examines the propensity to vote for radical right parties when they are, or are not, in an incumbent position. It hypothesizes that their electoral success will be inversely related to their incumbent role. This is because they are mainly defined and voted as anti-system parties, and any incumbent role undermines this self-characterization. The article provides confirmation of this hypothesis.
Introduzione La mobilitazione, o comunque l’ostilita, nei confronti delle innovazioni tecnologich... more Introduzione La mobilitazione, o comunque l’ostilita, nei confronti delle innovazioni tecnologiche non e certamente un fenomeno recente: basti pensare alle manifestazioni contro le centrali nucleari o gli impianti industriali a forte impatto ambientale succedutesi nelle societa occidentali a partire dagli anni Sessanta (Pellizzoni e Osti, 2003, 43-56). Cio che pare caratterizzare la nuova fase di conflitti sociali legati all’applicazione dei risultati della genetica e tuttavia il venir meno, ...
European Parliament elections have often been defined second-order elections, focused on national... more European Parliament elections have often been defined second-order elections, focused on national rather than transnational issues. This paper investigates the combined impact of Eurosceptic populism and social media in the development of the campaign during the 2019 European Parliament elections. It evaluates how populist and non-populist politicians and parties campaigned for the European elections on Twitter by using the case study of Italy. Computer-assisted quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis of social media content are used to assess the relevance of Europe in political communication and the strategies used by different political actors. Findings show that the concept of nation plays a central role in the campaign, with Europe depicted either as an enemy (by nationalist populism) or a saviour (by pro-Europeans). Moreover, there is e tendency towards a "populist shift" in the communication style.
This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right popul... more This article explores the socio-economic and attitudinal profile of voters of radical right populist in ten European countries. It provides confirmation of the so-called syndrome of the ‘losers of globalization’ which the literature indicates as a predictor of the radical right vote and which consists in perceptions of declining standard of living, blaming of migrants and generalized concerns with personal security. In addition, it examines the propensity to vote for radical right parties when they are, or are not, in an incumbent position. It hypothesizes that their electoral success will be inversely related to their incumbent role. This is because they are mainly defined and voted as anti-system parties, and any incumbent role undermines this self-characterization. The article provides confirmation of this hypothesis.
Questo quaderno nasce dall’esigenza di fare conoscere i dati disponibili presso l’Italian Data Ar... more Questo quaderno nasce dall’esigenza di fare conoscere i dati disponibili presso l’Italian Data Archive for the Social Sciences (IDAss) -sviluppato a partire dall’Archivio Dati del Laboratorio di Ricerca Didattica della Facolta di Sociologia dell’Universita di Trento- e di promuoverne un utilizzo consapevole per l’analisi secondaria. E uno strumento agevole, una sorta di guida ragionata ai dati esistenti, organizzata per aree tematiche. Una risorsa usata dallo staff del Dipartimento di Sociologia e Ricerca Sociale e dagli studenti della Facolta, ma utile anche a ricercatori e studenti di altre sedi. Il catalogo on-line dell’IDAss (www.idass.unitn.it) rappresenta una risorsa complementare a questo quaderno, dove possono essere ritrovate le fonti citate e maggiori informazioni su tipo di dati, contenuto informativo, caratteristiche della rilevazione e modalita di accesso ai data-set.
The article conceptualizes character assassination (CA) as a tactic of populist communication on ... more The article conceptualizes character assassination (CA) as a tactic of populist communication on social media by using the case study of Italian politician Matteo Salvini. CA consists of personal attacks aimed at damaging the reputation of individuals, used as political means to attack the “enemies of the people.” By means of CA, populists operate a shift from issues and arguments toward individual traits and behaviors. CA’s importance is linked to the features of social media communication (i.e. disintermediation, speed, virality, fragmentation, emotionality). The article uses content analysis of tweets, and qualitative analysis of relevant examples; it demonstrates the strategic nature of CA in Salvini’s communication and identifies five functions (i.e. polarizing, personalizing, symbolic, discriminating, emotional) of CA in right-wing populist communication. CA’s logic is unpacked, by showing how the delegitimization of individuals is used to reinforce a populist communication st...
Underage drinking is common in Italy. Children experiment under parental supervision their first ... more Underage drinking is common in Italy. Children experiment under parental supervision their first sip of alcohol as family is reputed a factor of mitigation of unwanted consequences. However, evidence about later age outcomes is not conclusive. Methods. A national sample of 1.180 lower secondary school students (12-14), was surveyed for first drinking experience, subsequent drinking and opinions on alcohol. Multivariate analysis was conducted using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis. Results. 1) alcohol use (including drunkenness) is mediated by frequency but also by facility of access and peers. Positive alcohol appreciation normalizes the idea that moderate drinking is unproblematic; 2) girls are more exposed to drunkenness if their peers get drunk; 3) initiation under adults external to parents expose to uncontrolled drinking; 4) a positive appreciation at first experience confirms higher consumption levels but not excess. Conclusion. Alcohol initiation seems relatively i...
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in particular with the problem of “measuring” the phenomenon, bearing in mind the
different motivations which induce citizens take action. Methods. The article draws
on the data collected by the 2000 World Values Survey and the International Social
Survey Program for certain European countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great
Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). Scale analysis is used to
construct two unidimensional indexes of environmental concern. Analysis of the
Guttman errors highlights the wide variety of the reasons that induce
environmentalists to act. Finally, examination of the documents published on the
websites of certain environmental defence organizations sheds further light on the
motives for mobilization. Results. This analysis shows that environmentalism is not
monolithic. Rather, it can be seen as an archipelago of movements and worldviews.
A minority of environmentalists act for reasons entirely different from those of the
majority. These individuals may belong to environmental justice, NIMBY, animal
rights or deep ecology groups. Conclusions. In order to evaluate environmental
concern more thoroughly, the principal surveys should examine important aspects of
mobilization such as the local dimension, support for environment-friendly economic
measures, the level of involvement in organizations, and the more or less romantic
vision of mankind’s relationship with nature.
in particular with the problem of “measuring” the phenomenon, bearing in mind the
different motivations which induce citizens take action. Methods. The article draws
on the data collected by the 2000 World Values Survey and the International Social
Survey Program for certain European countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great
Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden). Scale analysis is used to
construct two unidimensional indexes of environmental concern. Analysis of the
Guttman errors highlights the wide variety of the reasons that induce
environmentalists to act. Finally, examination of the documents published on the
websites of certain environmental defence organizations sheds further light on the
motives for mobilization. Results. This analysis shows that environmentalism is not
monolithic. Rather, it can be seen as an archipelago of movements and worldviews.
A minority of environmentalists act for reasons entirely different from those of the
majority. These individuals may belong to environmental justice, NIMBY, animal
rights or deep ecology groups. Conclusions. In order to evaluate environmental
concern more thoroughly, the principal surveys should examine important aspects of
mobilization such as the local dimension, support for environment-friendly economic
measures, the level of involvement in organizations, and the more or less romantic
vision of mankind’s relationship with nature.