Inside the Yellow Rectangle: An Analysis of Nonhuman Animal Representations on National Geographic Kids Covers

• In Event: 2112 - Section on Animals and Society Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 01. Animals, Culture and Capital

Abstract

Nonhuman animals play significant roles in children’s lives. While research into children’s relationships with other animals is thriving, an overlooked area is children’s vicarious experience of animals through realistic representations in nonfiction books, magazines, and other media. This study examines children’s experience of animals by using content analysis to determine how animals are represented on National Geographic Kids magazine covers from 2004 to 2013. Specifically, it measures the represented animals’ demographics, conservation statuses, levels of charisma, and degrees of anthropomorphism. Among other results, it finds that the covers represent some animals, including non-threatened, charismatic mammals, more frequently than other animals. The study explores these findings’ implications for children’s learning about and relationship with other animals, and it indicates paths for future research. As future environmental scientists, policy makers, and engaged citizens, children who read these magazines have the potential to make a positive difference in addressing the global biodiversity crisis.

Keywords: animal-child relationship, anthropomorphism, informal education, magazine covers

Authors

• Stephen Patrick Vrla, Michigan State University

• Cameron Thomas Whitley, Rutgers University-Camden

• Linda Elizabeth Kalof, Michigan State University