What Animal Liberation Activists Need to Know about Values: Debunking Three Common Myths

• In Event: 40462 - Section on Animals and Society Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 1: Animals and Politics

Abstract

Social scientists use the term values to refer to the guiding principles in peoples’ lives which directly influence their beliefs and behaviors and provide a lens through which they interpret the world. Research on values has important implications for animal liberation activists, but this information has not been widely transmitted outside of academic spheres. This book chapter attempts to break through this wall by providing an overview of what animal liberation activists need to know about values to ensure their work is as effective as possible. First, a general overview of the concepts of values, beliefs, and behaviors and their interconnections is discussed. Then, the remainder of the chapter focuses on drawing upon what is known about values to debunk three common myths about animal liberation activism. The first is the myth that those who deeply care about other animals do not care about humans. The second is that concerns for individual non-human animals and the environment in general are not linked, and the third is that providing information alone is enough to change others’ beliefs and behaviors. By addressing these myths, this chapter seeks to empower activists with new knowledge so that they can be as strategic and effective as possible in their work.

Author

• Mark Suchyta, Butler University