Perceptions of animal welfare by children in primary school

Authors

  • António Almeida Centro de Geologia da Universidade do Porto / Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa Rua do Campo Alegre 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
  • Clara Vasconcelos Centro de Geologia da Universidade do Porto / Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
  • Joana Torres Centro de Geologia da Universidade do Porto Rua do Campo Alegre 4169-007 Porto, Portugal

Keywords:

child-animal relationship, anthropocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism.

Abstract

This study aims to identify children’s perceptions of the welfare of animals. The study sample consisted of 123 children aged 8 to 10, attending primary schools, who were interviewed. The questions were designed so as to generate both anthropocentric (centred on the interests of the human being) and/or biocentric (centred on the interests of other beings) arguments. Results showed a high incidence of biocentric arguments, associated with a contact with animals in places where nature is managed (zoos and other thematic places with animals), thus contradicting the idea that children have an exclusive utilitarian view of animals. Some of them even seem to understand the ecological role of animals, and produce reasons of an ecocentric character.

Published

2016-06-30

How to Cite

Almeida, A., Vasconcelos, C., & Torres, J. (2016). Perceptions of animal welfare by children in primary school. Investigations in Science Education, 18(1), 161–176. Retrieved from https://ienci.if.ufrgs.br/index.php/ienci/article/view/167

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