A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Public Perceptions of Mental Capacities of Nonhuman Animals Finnish Population Survey
Authors: Kupsala Saara, Vinnari Markus, Jokinen Pekka, Räsänen Pekka
Publisher: BRILL ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS
Publication year: 2016
Journal: Society and Animals
Journal name in source: SOCIETY & ANIMALS
Journal acronym: SOC ANIM
Volume: 24
Issue: 5
First page : 445
Last page: 466
Number of pages: 22
ISSN: 1063-1119
eISSN: 1568-5306
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341423
Abstract
Mental capacities are an essential basis on which people give moral concern to non-human animals. Hence, it is important to investigate public perceptions of animal mind and the factors underlying these perceptions. Although research into citizen beliefs in animal mind has been increasing, population-based studies utilizing multivariate methods have been scarce. In this article, public perceptions of animal mind are investigated with a nationwide survey in Finland (n = 1,824). Eight animal species positioned differently in cultural categorizations are included in the analysis. Dogs were ascribed the most capacities, followed by cows, pigs, wolves, and elk. Citizens expressed a low belief in the mental capacities of chicken, salmon, and shrimp. Classifying animals as companions, food, and threat influences the perceptions of animal mind. Young age, having a companion animal, valuing societal equality, and concern for animal welfare and for animal utilization are connected to a greater belief in animal mind.
Mental capacities are an essential basis on which people give moral concern to non-human animals. Hence, it is important to investigate public perceptions of animal mind and the factors underlying these perceptions. Although research into citizen beliefs in animal mind has been increasing, population-based studies utilizing multivariate methods have been scarce. In this article, public perceptions of animal mind are investigated with a nationwide survey in Finland (n = 1,824). Eight animal species positioned differently in cultural categorizations are included in the analysis. Dogs were ascribed the most capacities, followed by cows, pigs, wolves, and elk. Citizens expressed a low belief in the mental capacities of chicken, salmon, and shrimp. Classifying animals as companions, food, and threat influences the perceptions of animal mind. Young age, having a companion animal, valuing societal equality, and concern for animal welfare and for animal utilization are connected to a greater belief in animal mind.
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