Environmental identity, sense of place, and the perception of socio-environmental conflict among farmers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore environmental identity, sense of place, and the perception of socio-environmental context in a group of farmers resident in the heritage zone of Xochimilco, Mexico City. In this borough of CDMX, traditional socio-cultural and environmental practices clash with external political-economic processes that favor urban land use and lifestyles. One way to understand the socio-environmental conflict is through identity theory, which forms the basis of two socio-psychological constructs: environmental identity and sense of place. We applied an open-ended questionnaire to a group of farmers and their relatives, and their responses were subjected to a content analysis. The results are discussed in terms of the theoretical implications of meanings of place, as well as their importance in the management of socio-environmental conflict and in ensuring sustainable urban planning that is sensitive to the environmental identity and sense of place of inhabitants.