Exploring the Influence of SOCIAL NORMS on the management of native vegetation on private land

This research examines the influence of social norms on the management of native vegetation in a small rural community in North-east Victoria, Australia. The findings are based on a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with landholders and government agency personnel as the primary source of data. The thesis describes some of the social norms operating within the case study community and looks at the role of government investment in maintaining and establishing social norms as well as social interactions between the farming community and newer lifestyle residents. The implications for future NRM investment are discussed, given the potential to develop interventions that capitalise on the power of social norms.