Community size, public attitudes, and population-policy preferences.

Abstract

Survey data from the 1971 Commission on Population Growth and the American Future are utilized to investigate the relationships between community size, public attitudes, and population-policy preferences. Contrary to popular belief, the analysis indicates that there is no direct relationship between larger community size and concern over population matters or more activist governmental policies to control or influence population growth or distribution. The analysis also indicates that policy makers may not be as bound by public attitudes as they claim when dealing with population issues. The implications of these findings for subsequent policy making are then pursued.