Effects on collective morale from technological risk

Risks associated with technologies such as those used in hazardous waste ma nagement have the potential to impact a broad array of community social str uctures and associated dimensions of social well-being that dei ive from lo cal conditions and events. This analysis examines survey data collected in a community area closest to several operating hazardous waste management fa cilities to assess the relationships between various aspects of technologic al risk and a measure of collective morale in the local community. Results indicate that collective morale is substantially influenced by perceived co mmunity stigmatization associated with waste facility siting and operation. Other dimensions of technological risk identified as exciting an influence on collective mol ale include levels of confidence in waste facility techn ologies, levels of concern about the potential for environmental contaminat ion, and levels of trust in organizational authorities. Overall, the result s suggest that social responses to technological risks such as those associ ated with waste facility developments can have important ramifications for social well-being.