Exploring Perceptions, Behaviors and Awareness: Water and Water Pollution in South Africa

Barbara A. Anderson, University of Michigan
John H. Romani, University of Michigan
Heston Phillips, Statistics South Africa
Marie Wentzel, Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa (HSRC)
Kholadi Tlabela, Department of Correctional Services, South Africa

Understanding the relationships among perceptions, behaviors and awareness of environment problems is of increasing interest to both policy makers and social scientists. There is, however, limited consensus among scholars as to the reasons for differences and similarities among population groups in their attitudes and behaviors regarding environmental conditions. South Africa, which has established a constitutional right to a safe environment, together with the presence of parallel first and third world populations and substantial public environmental programs offers an unusual setting in which to look at these issues. Using the 2004 South African General Household Survey, the similarities and differences between the African and non-African households with respect to the perceptions, behaviors and awareness of environmental conditions related to water and sanitation and that are associated with place of residence, specific living conditions, level of education and related factors are examined.