The development of speciesism: Age-related differences in the moral view of animals

Abstract

Humans care for the wellbeing of some animals (e.g., dogs), yet tacitly endorse the maltreatment of others (e.g., pigs). What treatment is deemed morally appropriate for an animal can depend on whether the animal is characterised as “food”. When such categorisation of animals emerges, and when a moral hierarchy of beings depending on their species-membership (speciesism) develops is poorly understood. We investigate this development across samples of children (9-11-years-old), young adults (18-21-years-old), and adults (29-59-years-old; total N=479). Compared to young adults and adults, children a) show less speciesism, b) are less likely to categorize farm animals as food than pets, c) think farm animals ought to be treated better, and d) deem eating meat and animal products to be less morally acceptable. These findings imply that there are key age-related differences in our moral view of animal worth that point to socially constructed development over the lifespan.