Perceptions, Not Facts: How Forestry Professionals Decide on the Restoration of Degraded Forest Ecosystems

Authors:
Pregernig, M.

Publication Date:
2002

Abstract/Summary:
Based on the theory of social constructivism and the model of symbolic interactionism, this paper shows that a person’s readiness to implement restoration measures, inter alia, depends on the urgency of the problem. However, it does not (only) hinge on the ‘objective’ degree of damage, but (also) on the subjective problem perception of the decision maker. The empirical survey indicates, furthermore, that these subjective perceptions are—among other things— determined by social interactions. On the basis of these findings, we can derive a number of practical recommendations not just for science and research scientists, but especially for persons and institutions working in (further) education and in the field of extension services.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Journal of Environmental Planning and Management

Link:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640560120100178