Cleanliness, conservatism, and climate change: The effects of reminders of physical cleansing on reactions toward climate change

Abstract

A 2011 study demonstrated that the mere reminder of physical cleansing (through the presence of hand sanitizer) is enough to induce greater conservatism among individuals. It was attempted to replicate this study and to extend our knowledge of the effects of disgust beyond political ideology to the potential impact on climate change attitudes. Salisbury University students completed questionnaires either in the presence of hand sanitizer or not. No significant difference was found between political ideology or climate change attitudes as a function of condition. This paper explores the reasons behind these contradictory results by reexamining previously held notions, such as the evolution of the behavioral immune system and the stability of political ideology as a function of socioeconomic status.