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'Because They Are a Part of Life': Children's Ideas about the Welfare, Rights, and Protection of Animals and Ecosystems

Authors :
Renata Roma
Christine Tardif-Williams
Sandra Bosacki
Source :
Journal of Moral Education. 2023 52(4):511-525.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

This exploratory study assessed links among children's moral concern and their ideas about the rights and protection of companion, farm, wild animals and ecosystems. Sixty-one children responded to three interview questions that were coded as either anthropocentric or biocentric in orientation. Results revealed unique links among children's moral concern and their ideas about the rights and protection of different types of animals and ecosystems. Biocentric moral concern was associated with two protection strategies: 1) advocacy to protect companion animals and ecosystems, and 2) the need for peer support to help protect wild animals. Overall, results revealed the nuanced diversity of children's moral concern and ideas about the rights and protection of all types of animals and ecosystems. Implications for moral education programs include a balanced approach to foster compassion, environmental awareness, and social justice among youth.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0305-7240 and 1465-3877
Volume :
52
Issue :
4
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Moral Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1403970
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2023.2176835