April 2024
Browse Studies By Topic
Alternatives to animal products
Assessing performance of contemporary plant-based diets against the UK dietary guidelines: Findings from the Feeding the Future (FEED) study
Abstract:
Uncertainty remains about the composition of contemporary plant-based diets and whether they provide recommended nutrient intakes. We established Feeding the Future (FEED), an up-to-date online cohort of UK adults following different plant-based diets and diets containing meat and fish. We recruited 6342 participants aged 18-99 [omnivores (1562), flexitarians (1349), pescatarians (568), vegetarians (1292), and…
Lawson, I., Wood, C., Syam, N., Rippin, H., Dagless, S., Wickramasinghe, K., Amoutzopoulos, B., Steer, T., Key, T. J., & Papier, K. (2024). Assessing performance of contemporary plant-based diets against the UK dietary guidelines: Findings from the Feeding the Future (FEED) study. Nutrients, 16(9).
Effects of message frames and visual cues on cell-cultured meat communication: Sensation seeking as a moderator
Abstract:
Cell-cultured meat presents environmental and ethical advantages; however, negative public acceptance remains a significant hurdle. To generate more effective public engagement on this topic, we conducted two online experiments exploring the impact of message framing and food cues (Experiment 1) and the moderating role of an individual’s personality trait, sensation seeking, (Experiment 2) on the perception of cultured meat news shared via social media. Our findings revealed that messages employing individual benefit-framing, as opposed to societal benefit-framing…
Lee, N., & Lee, S. (2024). Effects of message frames and visual cues on cell-cultured meat communication: sensation seeking as a moderator. Journal of Science Communication, 23(03).
Framework for understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to support decisions on cultured meat: A theoretical approach and future directions
Abstract:
This paper investigated consumer perceptions and attitudes for decision making in Cultured Meat (CM), driven by the growing interest in innovative food products. The motivation stemmed from the anticipated challenges in consumer acceptance of CM, a novel alternative to…
Pivoraite, G., Liu, S., Roh, S., & Zhao, G. (2024). Framework for understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to support decisions on cultured meat: A theoretical approach and future directions. In S. P. Duarte, A. Lobo, B. Delibašić, & D. Kamissoko (Eds.), Decision Support Systems XIV. Human-Centric Group Decision, Negotiation and Decision Support Systems for Societal Transitions: 10th International Conference on Decision Support System Technology, ICDSST 2024, Porto, Portugal, June 3–5, 2024, Proceedings (Vol. 506, pp. 109–125). Springer Nature Switzerland.
Leave the milk for the calf and spread the word: Exploring factors determining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about plant-based milk alternatives
Abstract:
Plant-based milk alternatives are important beverages in US consumer markets. Sustainability, consumer awareness, lifestyle changes, and other value-based reasons are why these beverages are increasing in popularity. The present study is focused on plant-based milk alternatives. It builds on an online consumer survey that explores the factors explaining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about these beverages. Animal welfare concerns…
Rombach, M., Cong, L., & Dean, D. L. (2024). Leave the milk for the calf and spread the word: Exploring factors determining US consumers’ willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives and their word-of-mouth sharing about plant-based milk alternatives. Beverages, 10(2), 27.
Mapping the evidence of novel plant-based foods: A systematic review of nutritional, health, and environmental impacts in high-income countries
Abstract:
CONTEXT: Shifting from current dietary patterns to diets rich in plant-based (PB) foods and lower in animal-based foods (ABFs) is generally regarded as a suitable strategy to improve nutritional health and reduce environmental impacts. Despite the recent growth in supply of and demand for novel plant-based foods (NPBFs), a comprehensive overview is lacking.
Nájera Espinosa, S., Hadida, G., Jelmar Sietsma, A., Alae-Carew, C., Turner, G., Green, R., Pastorino, S., Picetti, R., & Scheelbeek, P. (2024). Mapping the evidence of novel plant-based foods: A systematic review of nutritional, health, and environmental impacts in high-income countries. Nutrition Reviews.
Precision fermentation as an alternative to animal protein, a review
Abstract:
The global food production system faces several challenges, including significant environmental impacts due to traditional agricultural practices. The rising demands of consumers for food products that are safe, healthy, and have animal welfare standards have led to an increased interest in alternative proteins and the development of the cellular agriculture field. Within this innovative field, precision fermentation emerges as a promising technological solution to produce proteins with reduced ecological footprints. This review provides a summary of the environmental impacts related to the current global food production, and explore…
Knychala, M. M., Boing, L. A., Ienczak, J. L., Trichez, D., & Stambuk, B. U. (2024). Precision fermentation as an alternative to animal protein, a review.
Tasting and labeling meat substitute products can affect consumers’ product evaluations and preferences
Abstract:
Moving towards plant-based diets and reducing meat consumption is key to achieving the Paris climate targets. One option for reducing meat consumption is replacing meat products with substitutes. In two field experiments, we tested how labeling and tasting experiences with substitutes affected omnivores’ evaluations of such products and investigated the latter’s stated and revealed preferences regarding the consumption of meat substitutes and reduction of meat consumption.
Paul Fesenfeld, L., Zeiske, N., Maier, M., Rachelle Gallmann, M., Van der Werff, E., & Steg, L. (2024). Tasting and labeling meat substitute products can affect consumers’ product evaluations and preferences. Food Quality and Preference, 118, 105184.
The environmental impact, ingredient composition, nutritional and health impact of meat alternatives: A systematic review
Abstract:
Background
The promotion of dietary shifts towards reduced meat consumption and increased plant protein consumption, has resulted in increased availability and consumption of meat alternatives which are products made from non-meat proteins to replicate the organoleptic and functional properties of meat. However, a knowledge gap exists on the impact of the production and consumption of these products on the environment and human health.
Lindberg, L., McCann, R. R., Smyth, B., Woodside, J. V., & Nugent, A. P. (2024). The environmental impact, ingredient composition, nutritional and health impact of meat alternatives: A systematic review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 104483.
Towards sustainable eating habits of Generation Z: Perception of and willingness to pay for plant-based meat alternatives
Abstract:
Within the food sector, there is a growing embrace of meat substitutes as a more sustainable alternative to meat, driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. This study aims to explore consumer behavior and willingness to pay (WTP) for plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), illustrated by the example of vegan burger patties. The sample of the study (n = 433) consists of young consumers roughly below 30 years of age, known as Generation Z (Gen Z).
Meixner, O., Malleier, M., & Haas, R. (2024). Towards sustainable eating habits of Generation Z: Perception of and willingness to pay for plant-based meat alternatives. Sustainability, 16(8), 3414.
What factors influence consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins?
Abstract:
Achieving the sustainability of protein is central to creating a sustainable food system. Current meat consumption patterns require a paradigm shift, as the status quo is unsustainable. However, at present, consumer participation in this shift is limited necessitating a change in consumer behaviour. This review seeks to explore various factors that influence consumer behaviour in accepting alternative proteins. Understanding these factors is vital for designing interventions that effectively enhance acceptance levels. Consumer behaviour is complex, influenced by a spectrum of personal and societal factors, that are often interconnected.
Chriki, S., Akinmeye, F., Changqi, L., Zhao, J., & Ghnimi, S. (2024). What factors influence consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins?
Animal product consumption
Context counts: an exploration of the situational correlates of meat consumption in three Western European countries
Abstract:
A reduction in the demand for meat and particularly red meat has the potential to significantly enhance the sustainability and health of many people’s diets. In the current work, I examine situational predictors of meat consumption in nationally representative nutrition surveys from three Western European countries: Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. More specifically, I examine whether the situational factors – the meal type, the day of the week and the location of the food consumption occasion – are predictive of whether meat and red meat are consumed.
Laffan, K. (2024). Context counts: an exploration of the situational correlates of meat consumption in three Western European countries. Behavioural Public Policy, 1–16.
Ethnic differences in meat consumption attitudes, norms and behaviors: A survey of white, south asian and black ethnic groups in the UK
Abstract:
A reduction in meat consumption is necessary to mitigate negative impacts of climate change and adverse health outcomes. The UK has an increasingly multi-ethnic population, yet there is little research on meat consumption habits and attitudes among ethnic groups in the UK. We ran a survey (N=1014) with quota samples for ethnic groups and analyzed attitudes, behaviors and norm perceptions of White, South Asian and Black British respondents. Most respondents believe overconsumption of red and processed meat has negative impacts on health…
Çoker, E. N., Pechey, R., & Jebb, S. A. (2024). Ethnic differences in meat consumption attitudes, norms and behaviors: A survey of white, south asian and black ethnic groups in the UK. Appetite, 107359.
Segmenting consumers of meat and dairy products from five European countries: Implications for promoting sustainable food choices
Abstract:
Accelerating the transition of agri-food systems towards higher sustainability requires greater understanding of consumers’ decision-making related to sustainable food choices, together with competing drivers which may result in unsustainable food choice demand. Meat and dairy production systems negatively contribute to greenhouse gas targets, unless sustainable production methods are applied, and these are understood…
Yue, M., Jin, S., Tindale, S., Vicario-Modroño, V., Sánchez-Zamora, P., Gallardo-Cobos, R., Newell-Price, P., & Frewer, L. J. (2024). Segmenting consumers of meat and dairy products from five European countries: Implications for promoting sustainable food choices. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 47, 47–58.
Animal welfare
Access to bedding and outdoor runs for growing-finishing pigs: is it possible to improve welfare without increasing environmental impacts?
Abstract:
Providing bedding or access to an outdoor run are husbandry aspects intended to improve pig welfare, which is currently financially supported through animal welfare schemes in several European countries. However, they may significantly affect the environment through changes in feed efficiency and manure management.
Ruckli, A. K., Hörtenhuber, S., Dippel, S., Ferrari, P., Gebska, M., Heinonen, M., Helmerichs, J., Hubbard, C., Spoolder, H., Valros, A., Winckler, C., & Leeb, C. (2024). Access to bedding and outdoor runs for growing-finishing pigs: is it possible to improve welfare without increasing environmental impacts? Animal : An International Journal of Animal Bioscience, 18(5), 101155.
Assessing the sectoral and cross-sectoral impacts of new European Union broiler chicken welfare measures in Hungary as proposed by the European Food Safety Authority
Abstract:
This research, focusing on Hungary, aims to analyse the comprehensive economic impact of proposed changes in daily weight gain and stocking density for broilers, as outlined in the European Food Safety Agency’s (EFSA) 2023 Scientific Opinion “Welfare of Broilers on Farm”. Hungary is a significant player in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) poultry industry and was the second-largest chicken meat producer and exporter in the CEE region in 2022. Utilising the dynamic econometric…
Medina-Paredes, A. C., Paredes-Peralta, M. M., Varga, E. Assessing the sectoral and cross-sectoral impacts of new European Union broiler chicken welfare measures in Hungary as proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. (2024). Studies in Agricultural Economics.
Exploring public support for farmed animal welfare policy and advocacy across 23 countries
Abstract:
Farmed animal policy and advocacy efforts both attempt to generate and depend upon public support. However, relatively little is known about the factors that predict support for animal protection legislation and advocacy across the globe. We analyse data from a large international survey (23 countries, n = 20,966) alongside other data sources on animal advocacy to investigate knowledge of factory farming, the connection between attitudes towards animals and the strength of animal protection legislation, attitudes towards animals based on their food status in different…
Bryant, C., Hopwood, C. J., Graça, J., T. Nissen, A. T., Dillard, C., Thompkins, A. Exploring public support for farmed animal welfare policy and advocacy across 23 countries. (2024). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from
Measuring stress in animals by noninvasive methods
Abstract:
Stress is a biological response in the form of physiological, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral changes to internal or external stimuli that threaten the homeostasis of living beings. Effects that activate the defense system in living things are defined as stressors, and it is possible to talk about many different stress factors. Factors that cause stress can be divided into environmental, physical, social or emotional. Stress reactions, which begin with the effect of the stressor, vary according to the duration and severity of exposure to stress.
Serim Balcı, E., & Sabuncuoğlu Çoban, N. (2024). Measuring stress in animals by noninvasive methods. Veterinary Sciences and Practices, 19(1), 52–58.
Perceptions of animal welfare on livestock: Evidence from college agronomy students in Costa Rica
Abstract:
Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants’ sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes…
Valverde, A., González-Miranda, J. A., Sevilla, F., Mora, S., Roldan, E. R. S., Vargas, C., & González, R. (2024). Perceptions of animal welfare on livestock: Evidence from college agronomy students in Costa Rica. Animals, 14(10), 1398.
Stakeholder perceptions of animal welfare as a component of sustainable beef programs in the United States - A pilot study
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and…
Edwards-Callaway, L., Davis, M., Dean, L., & McBride, B. (2024). Stakeholder perceptions of animal welfare as a component of sustainable beef programs in the United States – A pilot study. Animals : An Open Access Journal from MDPI, 14(9).
The chicken welfare progress report
The importance of animal welfare and country of origin in consumer preferences: A cross-national study
Abstract:
Livestock husbandry systems are controversially discussed in society, politics and science. Since exporting countries such as Germany, the Netherlands or Denmark produce pork under higher animal welfare standards, the question arises if it will be competitive on the international market. We used a factor and cluster analysis to identify consumer segments in Japan, South Korea, Italy and Poland and to determine the instruments necessary to make animal welfare more popular. Each study country revealed three consumer groups: One group is interested in animal welfare and meat quality…
Derstappen, R., & Christoph-Schulz, I. (2024). The importance of animal welfare and country of origin in consumer preferences: A cross-national study. Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, 1–25.
Welfare of invertebrates: A pilot study on a new land snail stunning technique
Abstract:
The almost complete absence of regulations to protect invertebrates is a common condition in legal systems, including the European one, especially when it comes to invertebrates intended for human consumption. Thus, in the vast majority of cases, edible invertebrates do not receive even the most basic protection at slaughter. Despite recent research indicating that invertebrates are capable of feeling pain and stress, the humane step of stunning is not used on them. This is also the case for land snails, which are gastropod invertebrates whose consumption has now reached…
Fossati, P., Stefanini, F. M., Ravasio, G., & Coerezza, U. (2024). Welfare of invertebrates: A pilot study on a new land snail stunning technique. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 8378.
Aquatic animal welfare
A review of factors affecting farmed atlantic salmon (salmo salar) welfare in Australia and beyond
Abstract:
With the increasingly global scale and scope of aquaculture, the need to match this development with improvements in fish welfare is a central societal and industry goal. We provide a comprehensive assessment of the farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) literature with targeted examples focusing on Atlantic salmon farmed in Tasmania, Australia. We synthesise insights from both small- and industry-scale perspectives, highlighting other reviews that provide discussions of particular sub-areas of farmed salmon research. We focus on recent advances and improved methods for farmed Atlantic salmon handling and management, behaviour…
Layman, C., Kadar, J., Lyall, B., & Brown, C. (2024). A review of factors affecting farmed atlantic salmon (salmo salar) welfare in Australia and beyond.
Precision farming in aquaculture: Use of a non-invasive, AI-powered real-time automated behavioural monitoring approach to predict gill health and improve welfare in atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar) aquaculture farms
Abstract:
As the aquaculture industry is growing, more sophisticated technology is required to monitor farms and ensure sustainability and good fish welfare, in line with the precision livestock farming concept. Using behaviour as a non-invasive form of monitoring, in combination with artificial intelligence and machine learning, can allow for higher control over farm management. The goal of this study was to use a novel machine learning algorithm…
Burke, M., Nikolic, D., Fabry, P., Rishi, H., Telfer, T. C., & Rey-Planellas, S. (2024). Precision farming in aquaculture: Use of a non-invasive, AI-powered real-time automated behavioural monitoring approach to predict gill health and improve welfare in atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar) aquaculture farms.
Attitudes toward veg*nism
Fleshing out the ways masculinity threat and traditional masculinity ideology relate to meat-eating and environmental attitudes in Australian men
Abstract:
Meat consumption needs to be reduced to limit climate change but achieving this requires understanding the drivers of meat consumption. In this study, we investigated two potential drivers—a contextual threat to masculinity and the stable individual difference of masculine ideology—and how they predict meat-eating intentions, attitudes, and environmentalism. Employing a sample of 375 Australian men, a population known for its high meat consumption, we did not find support that a contextual…
Neumann, C., Stanley, S. K., & Cárdenas, D. (2024). Fleshing out the ways masculinity threat and traditional masculinity ideology relate to meat-eating and environmental attitudes in Australian men. Sex Roles, 90(5), 587–599.
Health, environmental, and animal rights motives among omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans and the associations with meat, dairy, and egg commitment
Abstract:
Dietary groups differ from each other in how much they value health, environmental, and animal rights motives to reduce or quit meat consumption. In an online survey study, we investigated whether omnivores (N = 237), vegetarians (N = 151), and vegans (N = 377) not only differ in their motives for meat reduction or meat-free diets (vegetarian eating motives) but also in their motives for dairy and egg reduction or the adoption of a fully plant-based diet (vegan eating motives), and how strongly…
Dhont, K., & Ioannidou, M. (2024). Health, environmental, and animal rights motives among omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans and the associations with meat, dairy, and egg commitment. Food Quality and Preference, 118, 105196.
Climate change and sustainability
Aligning health, environment, and cost aspects of diets: Identifying sustainable dietary patterns in China
Abstract:
Considering the adverse effects of agricultural-food systems on both human health and the environment, this research aimed to identify sustainable diets, which are nutritious, culturally acceptable, affordable, and have low environmental impacts, based on self-reported diets in China. Dietary data was collected with a 3-day 24-h dietary recall and weight food record combined method among 10,324 subjects aged 18–64 year, who participated in the China Health Nutrition Survey 2011.
Cai, H., Talsma, E. F., Chang, Z., Wen, X., Fan, S., Veer, P. V. ’t, & Biesbroek, S. (2024). Aligning health, environment, and cost aspects of diets: Identifying sustainable dietary patterns in China. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 106, 107531.
Dietary change interventions
Comparing motivations and barriers to reduce meat and adopt protein alternatives amongst meat-eaters in Australia, China and the UK
Abstract:
Motivations are central in determining consumer food choices and provide insights regarding barriers to change. Given the global need to transition towards more sustainable protein consumption patterns, understanding cross-cultural motivations is important. The present research aimed to address this knowledge gap by reviewing motivations to reduce meat and to adopt meat substitutes, edible insects and cultured meat amongst meat-eating consumers in Australia, China…
Ford, H., Zhang, Y., Gould, J., Danner, L., Bastian, S. E. P., & Yang, Q. (2024). Comparing motivations and barriers to reduce meat and adopt protein alternatives amongst meat-eaters in Australia, China and the UK. Food Quality and Preference, 118, 105208.
Effects of red meat taxes and warning labels on food groups selected in a randomized controlled trial
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: High consumption of red and processed meat contributes to both health and environmental harms. Warning labels and taxes for red meat reduce selection of red meat overall, but little is known about how these potential policies affect purchases of subcategories of red meat (e.g., processed versus unprocessed) or of non-red-meat foods (e.g., cheese, pulses) relevant to health and environmental outcomes. This study examined consumer responses to warning labels and taxes…
Willits-Smith, A., Taillie, L. S., Jaacks, L. M., Frank, S. M., & Grummon, A. H. (2024). Effects of red meat taxes and warning labels on food groups selected in a randomized controlled trial. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(1), 39.
Identifying segment-specific barriers to ordering environmentally sustainable plant-based meat dishes in restaurants
Abstract:
Eating less meat when dining out can help mitigate climate change. Plant-based meats can facilitate the transition to a more environmentally sustainable tourism sector. However, uptake of these products remains low. Building on the capability-opportunity-motivation behaviour model, this study identifies the main reasons for the general population of restaurant patrons to reject plant-based meats: they prefer meat and traditional vegetable dishes; they are concerned about not enjoying plant-based meat dishes; they perceive plant-based meat dishes as too expensive.
Fechner, D., Grün, B., & Dolnicar, S. (2024). Identifying segment-specific barriers to ordering environmentally sustainable plant-based meat dishes in restaurants. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1–24.
Nudging towards sustainable dining: Exploring menu nudges to promote vegetarian meal choices in restaurants
Abstract:
Food choice behavior plays a large role in achieving sustainability goals. Meat in particular has a negative environmental impact as compared with plant-based food – and is more frequently chosen in restaurant contexts. To increase plant-based meal choices in restaurants, we tested three nudges for menus that are likely to be implemented by restaurant owners: a hedonic label (e.g., artisanal vegetable burger), a chef’s recommendation (specifying the vegetarian option as the chef’s favorite), and a salience nudge (a box around the vegetarian option).
Weijers, R. J., Claessens, I. W. H., Gillebaart, M., & de Ridder, D. T. D. (2024). Nudging towards sustainable dining: Exploring menu nudges to promote vegetarian meal choices in restaurants. Appetite, 198, 107376.
Stronger together than apart: The role of social support in adopting a healthy plant-based eating pattern
Abstract:
The influence of the social environment on health behaviors is well documented. In recent years, there is mounting evidence of the health benefits of a plant-based eating pattern, yet little is known about how the social environment impacts the adoption of a plant-based eating pattern, specifically. In this convergent parallel mixed-methods study, we analyzed quantitative survey data and qualitative focus group data to assess how social support impacted participants of a lifestyle medicine intervention focused on the adoption of a plant-predominant eating pattern.
Ortiz, R., Massar, R., McMacken, M., & Albert, S. L. (2024). Stronger together than apart: The role of social support in adopting a healthy plant-based eating pattern. Appetite, 107341.
The effects of social norms and observability on food choice
Abstract:
People often adapt their behavior to the behavior of other people. We test with the help of an experiment whether this also applies to the choice of food and whether the sensitivity regarding others’ behavior increases when the food choice is observable. Participants in the experiment are first-year students who are confronted with different statements about the diets of students already enrolled and studying at the university. Participants then choose between vouchers for vegan, vegetarian, or meat-based foods, with variation as to whether or not this choice is observable. The results show that the overall effects of social norms with and without…
Dannenberg, A., Klatt, C., & Weingärtner, E. (2024). The effects of social norms and observability on food choice. Food Policy, 125, 102621.
Which messages about healthy and sustainable eating resonate best with consumers with low socio-economic status?
Abstract:
Consumers with low socioeconomic status (SES) eat less healthy and sustainable diets than consumers with higher status. This is attributed, at least in part, to inequalities in health communication. An online survey with 134 socioeconomically disadvantaged consumers in Italy was conducted to test the effectiveness of tailor-made communication material (infographics) about healthy and sustainable eating (HSE). Participants were recruited at two social supermarkets by a social service organisation as well as via a crowdsourcing platform. Participants found…
Palascha, A., & Chang, B. P. I. (2024). Which messages about healthy and sustainable eating resonate best with consumers with low socio-economic status? Appetite, 198, 107350.
Human-animal relations
Indirect defenses of speciesism make no sense
Abstract:
Animal ethicists often distinguish between direct and indirect defenses of speciesism, where the former appeal to species membership and the latter invoke other features that are simply associated with it. The main extant charge against indirect defenses rests on the empirical claim that any feature other than membership in our species is either absent in some humans or present in some nonhumans. This paper challenges indirect defenses with a new argument, which presupposes no such empirical claim. Instead, the argument from discordance resorts to the following principle: a certain feature can only justify discriminating on the basis of that feature.
Jaquet, F. (2024). Indirect defenses of speciesism make no sense. Pacific Philosophical Quarterly.
Movement research
Extreme protest tactics reduce popular support for social movements
Abstract:
Social movements are critical agents of change that vary greatly in both tactics and popular support. Prior work shows that extreme protest tactics – actions that are highly counter-normative, disruptive, or harmful to others, including inflammatory rhetoric, blocking traffic, and damaging property – are effective for gaining publicity. However, we find across three experiments that extreme protest tactics decreased popular support for a given cause because they reduced feelings of identification with the movement. Though this effect obtained in tests of popular responses to extreme tactics used by animal rights, Black Lives Matter, and anti-Drumpf…
Feinberg, M., Willer, R., & Kovacheff, C. (2017). Extreme protest tactics reduce popular support for social movements. SSRN Electronic Journal.
Faunalytics Index – April 2024
Insider activism in animal advocacy
Abstract:
Insider activism covers examples of concerned citizens participating in activism within or against the institutions they work in. This report explores if insider activism could be utilised in animal advocacy.
Animal Ask. (2024). Insider activism in animal advocacy. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from
The 2024 Eggspose
Abstract:
N/A
The Humane League. (2024). The 2024 Eggspose. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from Read the full abstract and article
Unveiling the strategic discourse of European dairy industry pressure groups: A Critical Animal Studies perspective
Abstract:
This article examines the discourse of pressure groups within the European Dairy Industry (EDI) using a Critical Animal Studies perspective. The study first identifies the EDI as a powerful economic actor by analysing its key companies, pressure groups, and their relationships. Then, it analyses the discourse constructed and the rhetorical devices these interest groups use regarding 1) the animals exploited by the industry and 2) the nutritional recommendations influencing dietary guidelines. The dairy industry forms a significant economic and corporate conglomerate…
Ruiz Carreras, M. (2024). Unveiling the strategic discourse of European dairy industry pressure groups: A Critical Animal Studies perspective. TRACE ∴ Finnish Journal for Human-Animal Studies, 10, 6–36.
Research methods
Monetizing animal welfare impacts for benefit–cost analysis
Abstract:
Animal welfare is often ignored in decision-making, despite widespread agreement about its importance. This is partly because of a lack of quantitative methods to assess the impacts of policies on humans and nonhumans alike on a common scale. At the same time, recent work in economics, philosophy, and animal welfare science has made progress on the fundamental theoretical challenge of estimating the well-being potential of different species on a single scale. By combining these estimates of each species’ well-being potential with assessments…
Budolfson, M., Espinosa, R., Fischer, B., & Treich, N. (2024). Monetizing animal welfare impacts for benefit–cost analysis. Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, 1–18.
Welfare subjectivism, sophistication, and procedural perfectionism
Abstract:
Welfare subjectivists face a dilemma. On the one hand, traditional subjectivist theories—such as the desire-fulfillment theory—are too permissive to account for the well-being of typical mature human beings. On the other hand, more “refined” theories—such as the life-satisfaction theory—are too restrictive to account for the well-being of various welfare subjects, including newborns, those with profound cognitive impairments, or non-human animals. This paper examines a class of welfare subjectivism that addresses this dilemma with sensitivity to the diversity in welfare subjects. First, the most-sophisticated-attitude view (MSA) is introduced.
Ishida, S. (2024). Welfare subjectivism, sophistication, and procedural perfectionism. The Journal of Ethics.
Politics, law, and social change
Brief research report: the evolution of animal welfare legislation for pigs in 13 EU member states, 1991-2020
Abstract:
This brief report characterizes and maps changes in six key aspects of pig animal welfare (AW) legislation in 13 countries in the European Union (EU) during the period 1991-2020, focusing primarily on aspects of AW likely to impact the economic performance and international competitiveness of the pig production sector. National AW legislation in the selected EU member states that exceed the EU minimum levels within the six selected key areas are also mapped. Analysis of changes in AW over time…
Wallenbeck, A., Wichman, A., Höglind, L., Agenäs, S., Hansson, H., & Ferguson, S. (2024). Brief research report: the evolution of animal welfare legislation for pigs in 13 EU member states, 1991-2020. Frontiers in Animal Science, 5.
Harmonizing human rights and animal rights: Exploring the Indian context and the call for a universal declaration
Abstract:
In the context of India, a country with a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions that advocate for non-violence and compassion towards all living beings, the discourse on human rights versus animal rights takes on unique dimensions. This abstract explores the dichotomy between human rights and animal rights in the Indian context, drawing upon landmark judgments and constitutional provisions.India’s Constitution provides for fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion, speech, and movement within and outside the country.
Sharan, A., & Sharma, M. (2024). Harmonizing human rights and animal rights: Exploring the Indian context and the call for a universal declaration. SSRN Electronic Journal.
The universal recognition of animal welfare and its dark sides
Abstract:
The fate of animals under human control has become a challenge of our time. One of the key dimensions of the ‘animal turn’ we are witnessing is the concept of ‘animal welfare.’ Unlike animal rights or abolitionist doctrines, animal welfare has gained someform of universal recognition. But it has different meanings depending on the contextin which it is used. As practised in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), ‘animal welfare’ is substantially deprived of any ethical foundation and is rather an economic- and efficiency-driven concept that legitimizes the industrial exploitation ofanimals. In the same vein, the recognition…
Bismuth, R. (2024). The universal recognition of animal welfare and its dark sides. International Law and Universality.
April 2024
by Paper Tiger - 1 minute read