37th Annual Student Research Conference
The Social Context of Animal Evaluation: A Qualitative Study
Aidan Grantham J. Grantham
Dr. Amber Johnson, Faculty Mentor
Human societies place a highly variable degree of value on different species, with the influence of a number of evaluative factors creating contradictory beliefs concerning animal’s rights in a society. In investigating these relationships, this study sought to understand which criteria take precedence over others, and how personal belief structures interact with the social constructs surrounding them. Through a series of qualitative interviews Truman students were asked to define their relationship to animals, and describe how their opinions and experiences affected the value they placed on different species. In doing so, connections between lines of thought were identified to form a better understanding of animal evaluation as a social process. This study found that there are inherent boundaries between humans and animals in the evaluative process, as well as evidence that challenges the roles intelligence and empathy play in the emotional care placed on animals.
Keywords: Animal Valuation , Evaluation , Qualitative Interviews, Animal Rights, Dietary Practices
Topic(s):Sociology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 404-1
Location: SUB Georgian Room C
Time: 2:00