Disregarding the Value of Life: Animal Portrayal in School Textbooks
- Written by Peter Carstens
- ~4 Min Read
Analysis identifies: Methods of animal stereotyping in educational texts - Discrimination in Schoolbooks: Unveiling the Biases Towards Animals in Educational Materials
"Cattle, both dairy and beef, serve crucial roles for us humans. Particularly the males, the bulls, can gain approximately a kilogram a day." These sentences, found in a standard school textbook, convey one apparent message: the production of milk and meat. However, there's another, more troubling message hidden within.
In a 2024 research conducted by the Biology Education Research Group at the University of Osnabrück, a team of scientists delved into how authors of textbooks depict animals [1]. The findings? Livestock animals are portrayed as mere resources, stripped of any inherent value as sentient beings, in a cold and detached manner, with no emotional language employed. This conclusion was presented by co-author, Milan Büscher [2].
- Livestock animals
- Animal welfare
- Psychology
- Education
- Pet
- University
- Biology
What is a Livestock Animal?
Livestock animals are species predominantly raised for human consumption, dairy, or work, such as cows, pigs, and sheep.
Animal Welfare and Psychology in School Textbooks
The research uncovered a concerning trend of reducing livestock animals to mere resources, devoid of their own inherent value, and this, without using any emotional language to describe them. Instead, the focus is on the practicality and efficiency of their use.
For instance, in standard school materials, cows are frequently discussed as dairy producers or sources of meat. However, their personalities, behaviors, or emotional lives are largely ignored. This continuous disregard for their psychological needs could contribute to a disconnect in how students view these animals.
[1] In the past, the University of Osnabrück's Biology Didactics group has participated in research projects that revolve around public acceptance of novel foods and educational aspects of biology.
[2] For more detailed findings of the 2024 study by the Biology Education Research Group at the University of Osnabrück, I recommend exploring their official publications or contacting the research group directly for further information.
Community policy should consider incorporating education-and-self-development programs that emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for all living beings, including livestock animals, in school textbooks to promote proper understanding of animal welfare. Employment policy in academic institutions can provide opportunities for students to engage in lifestyle choices that prioritize compassion and ethical treatment of animals through volunteering or internships with animal rights organizations.
