Population Behavioral Strategies in Response to AnnoyingAtmospheric Odours
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14515/monitoring.2026.2.2910Keywords:
air pollution, public perception of odours, odour “annoyance”, behavioral strategies, coping, rational choiceAbstract
This study focuses on the relationship between perceptions of odours in the atmosphere and the population's behavioral strategies for dealing with environmental problems. This is the first comprehensive sociological analysis (using qualitative and quantitative methods) conducted in this field in our country, investigating perceptions of odours in the atmosphere of an industrial city and the corresponding behavioral patterns. As an empirical base we used the results of a questionnaire survey of residents of an average-sized city (about 90 thousand inhabitants), aimed at obtaining a general characterization by respondents of the environmental situation in the territory of residence, assessment of the frequency, intensity and degree of annoyance by odours present in the atmospheric air, as well as respondents’ behavioral strategies in response to the problem of annoying odours. Also, 15 interviews and 4 focus groups were conducted with the city residents. Sociological research was conducted in March-April 2022. The results showed the presence in the city atmosphere of a whole range of annoying, offensive odours that disturb residents and reduce the comfort of living. The main sources of odours, according to the respondents, are industrial enterprises and transport. Three main behavioral strategies of respondents when facing environmental problems were revealed: “Active social position and information exchange” (17,8%), “Avoidance and adaptation” (42,8%), and “Passive avoidance” (39,4%). The level of concern about environmental issues, odour perception, and odour annoyance showed a positive relationship with more active behavioral strategies in dealing with these issues. Passive strategies, focused mainly on avoidance and adaptation, which are typical for the majority of respondents, may be due to both personal characteristics and environmental factors, including social attitudes and norms, lack of resources, and often lack of confidence in the effectiveness of actions taken, which is confirmed by the data of qualitative studies. Data interpretation through the lens of rational choice and collective action theories demonstrated that the choice of a specific strategy is the result of an individual's rational assessment of the costs and potential benefits of their actions, as well as their belief in the effectiveness of collective efforts.
Acknowledgments. This study was carried out within the framework of state task No. 1023032300263-5-3.3.5.
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