The Effects Different Factors Have On How We Treat Animals

Abstract

Previous research suggests that there are a number of factors that contribute to how humans perceive and treat animals. This paper will discuss how human beliefs about the characteristics and abilities of a species shapes how animals of that species are used, and how these uses influence treatment. It also looks at the personal and social factors that influence how a person views and treats animals, such as one's mental health, gender, culture, religion, relationship with the animal, and beliefs about what is considered ethically correct. The first section will discuss the ways in which humans use animals, such as using them for consumption or to perform experiments, as well how these uses relate to animal welfare. The second section applies a Stereotype Content Model to the discussion of how animal characteristics may shape human attitudes and behaviors towards animals. The third section explores how human culture, religion, gender, and mental health play a role in animal perception as well. The purpose of my project is to determine how different factors play a role in how people treat animals. Keywords: animal welfare, animal stereotypes, human-animal interactions, mental capacity, warmth, competence