I've posted this paper (commissioned by the nuclear industry BTW) several times in the past. It deals with the question specifically and was published in the journal "Risk Analysis"
Risk Analysis, Vol. 29, No. 3, 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2008.01155.x
The Future of Nuclear Power: Value Orientations and Risk Perception
Stephen C. Whitfield,1 Eugene A. Rosa,2 Amy Dan,3 and Thomas Dietz3 ∗
Since the turn of the 21st century, there has been a revival of interest in nuclear power. Two decades ago, the expansion of nuclear power in the United States was halted by widespread public opposition as well as rising costs and less than projected increases in demand for electricity. Can the renewed enthusiasm for nuclear power overcome its history of public resistance that has persisted for decades? We propose that attitudes toward nuclear power are a function of perceived risk, and that both attitudes and risk perceptions are a function of values, beliefs, and trust in the institutions that influence nuclear policy. Applying structural equation models to data from a U.S. national survey, we find that increased trust in the nuclear governance institutions reduces perceived risk of nuclear power and together higher trust and lower risk perceptions predict positive attitudes toward nuclear power. Trust in environmental institutions and perceived risks from global environmental problems do not predict attitudes toward nuclear power.
Values do predict attitudes: individuals with traditional values have greater support for, while those with altruistic values have greater opposition to, nuclear power. Nuclear attitudes do not vary by gender, age, education, income, or political orientation, though nonwhites are more supportive than whites. These findings are consistent with, and provide an explanation for, a long series of public opinion polls showing public ambivalence toward nuclear power that persists even in the face of renewed interest for nuclear power in policy circles.
With minor revisions I've summarized the paper this way:
1) Attitudes toward nuclear power are a result of perceived risk.
2) Attitudes and risk perceptions are determined by previously held values and beliefs that serve to determine the level of trust in the nuclear industry.
3) Increased trust in the nuclear industry reduces perceived risk of nuclear power
4) Therefore, higher trust in the nuclear industry and the consequent lower risk perceptions predict positive attitudes toward nuclear power.
5) Traditional values are defined here as assigning priority to family, patriotism, and stability
6) Altruism is defined as a concern with the welfare of other humans and other species.
7) Neither trust in environmental institutions nor perceived risks from global environmental problems predict a person’s attitudes toward nuclear power.
8) Those with traditional values tend to embrace nuclear power; while those with altruistic values more often reject nuclear power.
9) Altruism is recognized as a dependable predictor of various categories of environmental concern.
10) Traditional values are associated with less concern for the environment and are unlikely to lead to pro-environmental behavioral intentions.
In looking for that summary, I came across this exchange from last year. It is worth reading to get a clearer picture the typical preFukushima discussion here.
"The difference between those who embrace nuclear power and those who reject it"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x259801#259803 And this OP is by Nnadir as a response to that one. He is seeking to challenge the content of the paper and my presentation of it. In the thread, I more fully address the content of the paper's analysis in light of EE discussions.
"Beyond the Abstract: The Contents of the Actual Paper on Nuclear Attitudes."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x260147Hope that helps; I'm happy to address any questions.
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