Publication Date

2020

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Burchfield, Keri

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Sociology

Abstract

In this thesis I provide an analysis of punitive perceptions of animal crimes and argue that the lack of value seen in animal’s lives affects perceptions of punishment for animal crimes. Specifically, I examine the role of animal attitudes and race on perceptions of crimes against dogs and will address the following question with a vignette survey design: How do racial stereotypes interact with dog breed stereotypes when considering punishment for animal crime? This research expands on factors that influence perceptions of punishment of animal crime, including racial differences that may affect attitudes about animals. This study contributes to the growing literature on human-animal relationships, by providing another investigation of how human characteristics affect our treatment of non-human animals. Moreover, I expand on the role of anthropocentrism by using symbolic interactionism to examine how definitions of animals are related to racial attitudes, and how they in turn shape our punitive attitudes toward animal crimes. The results suggests some Americans do not think animal crimes are highly punishable offenses. On average, the respondents in this study suggest a warning or fine for animal abusers. The results reveal a positive relationship between animal attitudes and racial attitudes suggesting the respondents that express compassion for animals, are less likely to hold racist attitudes.

Extent

50 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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