Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behaviors Toward Wildlife as Affected by Gender
Submitted on Dec 28, 2005 (Original item from 1978)
Animal Experimentation | General Animal Protection | Wildlife and Exotics | Animal Advocacy | Fur or Fur Trim | Hunting or Trapping | Pharmaceutical, Medical or Biomedical Research | Preservation or Restoration
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Short Description:
Differences between female and male attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors toward wildlife, including various uses of animals, species preferences, and activities such as hunting and fishing.
Abstract:
'In forestry…women account for about 4.5% of all employees.' 'U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service statistics indicate 38% of their white-collar work force are women.'
'The knowledge scale mean score of males was 55.4 [out of 100], while the female knowledge scale score was 51…'
'The only knowledge questions with insignificant male vs. female differences concerned domestic animals.'
'The only [relatively prominent wildlife] issue with insignificant male-female [knowledge] differences was the killing of harp seal pups for fur.'
'The strength and consistency of male vs. female differences were so pronounced as to suggest gender is among the most important demographic influences on attitudes toward animals in our society.'
Attitudes toward animals typified by females were 'moralistic' and 'negativistic' and those typified by males were 'utilitarian' and 'dominionistic.'
'…women voiced significantly greater opposition to laboratory experimentation, rodeos, use of leg hold traps, killing of non-endangered animals for fur, and hunting for recreational and meat-gathering purposes.'
Males expressed greater concern about species and habitat conservation, while females indicated opposition to presumably cruel and exploitative treatment of animals…'
Significant attitude and knowledge scale differences occurred between men and women as every age level…"
"…greater concern among males for the practical value of animals occurs after early adulthood, typically when job and familial responsibilities become important.'
'Among both males and females, higher education was associated with more knowledge and appreciation and greater protectionist sentiment toward animals.'
'[85%] of the total hunting population was male, and 29% of all men reported having hunted during the previous 2 years, compared to 4% among females.'
62% of those who claimed membership in an environmental protection organization were men, while 80% of those who claimed membership in a humane or animal welfare organization were women.
Spot Check Number:
186
Sponsor:
Yale University
Animal Type:
Various, Human
Record Type:
Journal Article
Research Method:
In Person Interview/Survey
Geographic Region:
United States National
Number of Participants:
2455
Population Descriptors:
National adults in 18 contiguous states and Alaska
Year Conducted:
1978
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