Meryl Pearce

Predicting Household Water Consumption With Individual-Level Variables

Few studies investigating the psychological determinants of water consumption and conservation use metered household water data. Studies that have used metered consumption have found that individual-level motivations are often weak predictors. This may be due to the psychological determinants being measured at the individual level and metered consumption at the household level. This article contributes to the water consumption literature by (a) identifying the determinants of change in water consumption over time and (b) testing effects in single-person households where levels of analysis are equivalent. We applied models to data from South Australia (N = 410) and Victoria (N = 205) and found that variables at the individual, household, dwelling, and regional levels predict the initial level of consumption and/or its rate of change. Some individual-level variables were not significant predictors of household consumption but did predict individual consumption. We discuss these results in light of previous research and offer avenues for future research.

Some difficulties and inconsistencies when using habit strength and reasoned action variables in models of metered household water conservation.

Research employing household water consumption data has sought to test models of water demand and conservation using variables from attitude theory. A significant, albeit unrecognised, challenge has been that attitude models describe individual-level motivations while consumption data is recorded at the household level thereby creating inconsistency between units of theory and measurement. This study employs structural equation modelling and moderated regression techniques to addresses the level of analysis problem, and tests hypotheses by isolating effects on water conservation in single-person households. Furthermore, the results question the explanatory utility of habit strength, perceived behavioural control, and intentions for understanding metered water conservation in single-person households. For example, evidence that intentions predict water conservation or that they interact with habit strength in single-person households was contrary to theoretical expectations. On the other hand, habit strength, self-reports of past water conservation, and perceived behavioural control were good predictors of intentions to conserve water.

Anthony Giddens: Risk, Globalisation and Indigenous Public Health

This chapter outlines Giddens’ theories of radical reflexive modernity, trust and risk. In illustrating Giddens’ arguments, we take a case study from our own research with Indigenous people in remote regions of South Australia and their reactions to safe water supplies and the impact this might have on their health. We demonstrate how Giddens’ theoretical insights provide an alternate account of Indigenous responses to modernity than is commonly accepted. We argue that Indigenous people are not dupes of tradition, but are reflexive individuals who engage critically in modernity, understand the nature of technology and science, including the risks to their health embedded in expert systems (Giddens and Pierson 1998). The chapter begins with an overview of Giddens’ life and work, followed by an exposition of his theories of modernity, risk and reflexivity. This is followed by a critique of his ideas offered by other social theorists. We then move to the case study to illuminate Giddens’ theoretical ideas. In the final section, we suggest Giddens’ approach challenges popular post-colonial interpretations.

The Demise of the Murray River: Insights into Lifestyle, Health and Well-Being for Rural Aboriginal People in The Riverland

Abstract The poor state of the Murray River has been framed to highlight negative environmental, social and economic consequences, particularly for farmers and growers. This paper draws on material gathered during focus group sessions with rural Aboriginal people living in the Riverland. The paper presents their perspectives and experiences of the impact of a changing Murray River on their health and well-being. The impacts of settlement, river regulation, water quality decline and the introduction of exotic species on fishing, hunting recreation, culture and health are discussed. These personal reflections outline a process of social and cultural dislocation associated with environmental changes since colonisation; but accelerated in more recent times following the over-use of the Murray River. In this paper we argue that understanding the aetiology of disease for Aboriginal people in the Riverland requires also understanding recent shifts in the physical environment and the impact these shifts have on health and life-style.

A healthy scepticism towards water in South Australia

Purpose – This paper examines citizen trust at both a rational and affect level in the water utility provider, SA Water.Design/methodology/approach – The study draws on data from a CATI of approximately 500 residents in two urban and rural locations.Findings – Citizens have a healthy scepticism toward the utility provider suggesting they make a distinction between the capacity of SA Water to provide safe drinking water, and the political willingness of the government to plan for long‐term sustainability.Research limitations/implications – The conduct of research on topics of a political nature may be viewed by respondents as a political act although it is possible to see the views expressed as representative. Research conducted during times of heightened awareness, such as during a drought when water restrictions are in place, may generate strong feelings of anger in government, but may not be a true measure of citizen trust in the provider.Practical implications – The paper shows that trust in utility pr...

Using the Health Hardware Method to Measure Poverty in Indigenous Australia

Abstract Two issues confront researchers concerned with the relationship between poverty and health. The first deals with the problem of an accurate measure of poverty. The second deals with revealing for policy makers the pathway between poverty and health status. This is an arena where research is still very much embryonic despite the strong evidence that poverty is a social determinant of health. This paper outlines a method used with four remote Aboriginal communities in South Australia to establish a correlation between poverty and health. Drawing on Tregenza and Tregenza’s adaptations to the Cost of Living methodology we incorporated a wide range of health hardware, health consumables and food into poverty predictions for four Aboriginal communities. While the method cannot generalize findings to larger population groups it does provide clear evidence to the participants and policy makers of the impact of poverty on well-being.