Previous study in the United States has identified modernization as a key factor contributing to the emergence of mutualist wildlife value orientations. This phenomenon represents a cultural shift from the more domination-oriented values that had characterized U.S. society since colonization by Europeans began centuries ago. It has been proposed that lifestyle changes inherent to modernization (e.g., urbanization, higher living standards) have limited humans’ direct contact with wildlife, risks posed by such contact, and needs/desires to take possession of wildlife for utilitarian purposes. This fundamental change to the human predisposition toward wildlife parallels an increasing emphasis on human needs beyond those associated with basic survival (e.g., belongingness, inclusiveness, and self- expression). The perceived role of wild animals in many humans’ lives has thus been transformed. Longstanding views of wildlife as adversary and subjugate have often been replaced with a view of wildlife as individual moral beings deserving of rights similar to those afforded to conspecifics within a social network. Within this context of change, wildlife management institutions in the U.S. face a broader scope of demands and increased discord among the public with regard to the appropriateness of wildlife management strategies. Mutualist wildlife value orientations may increasingly provide a foundation for social conflict over wildlife management and, as such, warrant continued research consideration.
A recent assessment of wildlife value orientations in the U.S. provided an opportunity to pursue additional conceptual refinements. Specifically, we investigated a hypothesized connection between mutualism and anthropomorphism (the human tendency to assign human characteristics, motives, behaviors, and abilities to non-human agents). Throughout prehistory, anthropomorphic thought about wildlife is believed to have provided an adaptive advantage to humans by enhancing their ability to understand and predict animal behavior. Cultural variations of anthropomorphic thought, and its effect on modern human cognition have received extensive research attention. However, the concept has yet to be viewed in light of its potential relationship with wildlife value orientations. We propose that modern cultural and social conditions such as those described above have stimulated an ‘unblocking’ of anthropomorphic attributions to wild animals that contributes to the development of a mutualist wildlife value orientation.
Through analysis of results from a recent survey of U.S. residents, we will provide empirical support for the linkage between anthropomorphism and wildlife value orientations. Further, we test the idea that anthropomorphism and mutualism interact to heavily influence attitudinal positions concerning the treatment of wildlife. These results will be discussed in the context of their contribution to the conceptual understanding of wildlife value orientations and with regard to what they may portend for future scenarios relevant to public interest in and social conflict over wildlife management in the U.S.
Topics: Social-ecological systems as a framework for conservation management