Hoogendoorn, Karlijn (2025) Flooded perspectives: How political values shape risk perception in the face of rising water. Master thesis, Cultural Geography - Climate Adaptation Governance (CAG).
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Abstract
The Netherlands faces substantial flood risk due to its low-lying geography, with large populations living in vulnerable areas. Climate change heightens this threat, making it essential to understand what shapes citizens’ flood risk perceptions. This thesis explores the role of political values and concern motivators in influencing perceived flood risk, focusing on Zwolle, a Dutch city marked by high flood exposure and political diversity. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combined survey data (n=79) with in-depth interviews (n=4). Quantitative results show that residents with strong biospheric values, egoistic concerns such as property damage, or direct flood experience reported significantly higher risk perceptions. In contrast, demographic factors—including age, gender, education, disability, or chronic illness—were less predictive. Qualitative findings revealed that while values inform perceptions, flood risk itself does not strongly influence national voting behavior, though it may matter in water board elections. Participants consistently expressed reliance on government institutions for protection and pointed to gaps in locally tailored communication. These insights suggest that risk communication should be value-sensitive and delivered at the local level to foster stronger public engagement with flood preparedness. By linking political orientations, value systems, and risk perceptions, this research contributes to environmental risk communication literature and provides practical guidance for policymakers seeking to enhance resilience to flooding.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Schulz, K.A. |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Sep 2025 14:22 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Sep 2025 14:22 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/769 |
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