Gender, Human Nature Connection & Environmental Identity in Kerala

This study examines gender differences in connectedness to nature and environmental identity among university students in Kerala, India, a region where cultural traditions often personify nature in feminine forms. We assessed the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS10) and the Environmental Identity (EID) scale to explore the intersection of gender, culture, and students’ environmental connectedness and selfconcepts. Female students scored significantly higher than male students on both scales. The findings highlight the importance of cultural narratives, gendered symbolism, and belief systems in shaping human–nature relationships, and underscore the value of validating established instruments within diverse cultural contexts to support more inclusive approaches to environmental engagement.