ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Gender Differences in Pro-Environmental
Behavioral Intentions, Environmental Values,
Tolerance of Environmental Protection Cost,
and Confidence in Citizen Participation
in Environmental Policies During the COVID-19
Pandemic in Taiwan
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School of Political Science and Public Administration, Wuhan University, Luojia Shan,
Wuchang District, Wuhan City, 430072, P.R. China
Submission date: 2023-05-15
Acceptance date: 2023-06-26
Online publication date: 2023-09-01
Publication date: 2023-09-08
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2023;32(5):4813-4823
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ABSTRACT
The present study compared the two genders in regard to Taiwan residents’ attitudes on their proenvironmental
behavior intentions and other influencing factors related to environmental protection.
Data were taken from the Taiwan Social Change Survey (TSCS) of 2020. Descriptive statistics were
calculated, and multiple regression models were constructed with pro-environmental behavioral
intentions as the dependent variable and demographics and other key factors related to environmental
protection attitudes as independent variables to compare the two genders. Women had significantly
stronger pro-environmental behavioral intentions and environmental values than men. By contrast, men
were more willing to pay much higher taxes to protect the environment, but less willing to reduce living
standards. Men were significantly more confident in the availability of opportunities for the general
public to influence environmental policies, but women were significantly more confident in the ability
of citizens to propose constructive suggestions on environmental protection policies. The present study
examined and demonstrated the gender differences in regard to pro-environmental behavioral intentions
and environmental protection-related factors among Taiwanese citizens. The study’s findings provide
insight into how to provide Taiwanese citizens of different genders with proper and targeted attitudes
and behaviors from the perspective of environmental protection.