Abstract
This thesis explores the environmental attitudes and perceptions of immigrants from Afghanistan residing in Norway, focusing on their engagement in outdoor recreational activities. The study employs a multifaceted approach, integrating statistical analyses, including Kruskal-Wallis tests and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, to unravel the complex relationship between environmental attitudes and outdoor recreation preferences.
The results indicate that Afghani immigrants with a heightened sense of responsibility for environmental protection tend to engage less frequently in specific outdoor activities, such as hiking, mushroom picking, and hunting. This nuanced relationship suggests a potential trade-off between environmental responsibility and participation in certain recreational pursuits. Moreover, Afghani immigrants who prioritize economic growth over environmental conservation tend to participate more frequently in outdoor activities. This highlights the intricate relationship between economic priorities and engagement in nature-based recreation.
Comparisons with existing literature on Norwegian environmental attitudes reveal both parallels and distinctions. Norwegians, known for their environmental consciousness, exhibit similarities in attitudes, particularly concerning responsibility and technology. However, gender differences in environmental concern among Afghani immigrants diverge from trends observed among Norwegians, emphasizing the need for a culturally sensitive understanding of environmental perspectives. Geographical considerations play a role, with significant differences in outdoor activity preferences based on the site of residence. This aligns with existing research differentiating rural and urban environmental attitudes in Norway.
The study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and individual factors shaping the environmental attitudes and outdoor engagement of Afghani immigrants in Norway. The findings underscore the importance of considering cultural nuances in environmental research and provide a foundation for future investigations in multicultural contexts. Recommendations for policy implications and community engagement strategies are discussed, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to enhance environmental consciousness and sustainable engagement among immigrant communities in Norway.
