Reasons for littering: Social constructions from lower income communities in South Africa

Littering has been defined as the careless and improper disposal of small amounts waste that results in unwanted unnatural elements remaining environment. People tend to blame external factors for their own littering. A person seldom refers themselves being litterer but will rather place on insufficient infrastructure, such lack bins, or other persons. When referring people, they identify problematic behaviour personal traits ignorance, naivety, need convenience, laziness inattentiveness causes This study addressed gap literature socially constructed perceptions people hold about reasons littering South African context, subjectively perceived may correspond with actual could point towards options tackling problem. Five lower socio-economic areas Africa – particularly those experience major infrastructural challenges were included study. Qualitative semi-structured interviews held 322 residents from respective areas. The data thematically analysed compared each other. cross-case analysis confirmed is contingent contextual effects, unique context mentioned. research reported this highlights we have only ‘identified’ named by participants. importance creating platforms processes dialogues deepen our understanding people’s subsequent behaviour, critical importance.Significance: presents subjective self-reported living dumping. These then provide directions possible interventions manage curb context.