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A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Link between Modernization, Anthropomorphism and Attitude to Wildlife

Author

Listed:
  • Jose Luis Gomez-Melara

    (Department of Social Anthropology, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain)

  • Rufino Acosta-Naranjo

    (Department of Social Anthropology, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain)

  • Patricia Izar

    (Department of Experimental Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508, Brazil)

  • Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah

    (School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 1112, Persiaran Sains, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia)

  • Jordi Pladevall

    (University of Girona Foundation: Innovation and Training, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain)

  • Risma Illa Maulany

    (Forestry Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia)

  • Putu Oka Ngakan

    (Forestry Department, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia)

  • Bonaventura Majolo

    (School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK)

  • Teresa Romero

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK)

  • Federica Amici

    (Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
    Department of Human Behaviour, Ecology and Culture, Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany)

Abstract

Anthropogenic pressure has significantly increased in the last decades, often enhancing conflicts at the human–wildlife interface. Therefore, understanding peoples’ value orientations, attitudes and behavioural intentions towards wildlife is a crucial endeavour to reduce the occurrence of conflicts between humans and wildlife. Previous research in the USA has shown a consistent link between modernization and increased anthropomorphism (i.e., the tendency to attribute human mental or physical characteristics to other entities), leading to positive changes in value orientations, attitudes, and behavioural intentions towards wildlife. In this paper, we aimed to address whether this link is also present in other cultures, by testing participants (N = 741) in five different countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and Spain). Our study shows that while the positive link between anthropomorphism, positive attitudes and behavioural intentions towards wildlife is universal, the link between modernization and anthropomorphism is culturally mediated. In some countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain), modernization increased anthropomorphism, while in others modernization predicted no differences (Brazil) or even a decrease in anthropomorphism (Mexico), ultimately deteriorating individuals’ attitude and behavioural intentions towards wildlife. These results call for caution when generalizing findings from western industrialized countries to inform conservation policies worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Jose Luis Gomez-Melara & Rufino Acosta-Naranjo & Patricia Izar & Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah & Jordi Pladevall & Risma Illa Maulany & Putu Oka Ngakan & Bonaventura Majolo & Teresa Romero & Federica Amici, 2021. "A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Link between Modernization, Anthropomorphism and Attitude to Wildlife," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:13095-:d:688471
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael J. Manfredo & Tara L. Teel & Kimberly L. Henry, 2009. "Linking Society and Environment: A Multilevel Model of Shifting Wildlife Value Orientations in the Western United States," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(2), pages 407-427, June.
    2. Kim-Pong Tam, 2019. "Anthropomorphism of Nature, Environmental Guilt, and Pro-Environmental Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-19, September.
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