Why children moralise harm to animals but not meat

Published on June 1, 2023

Have you ever noticed that children seem to love animals and yet have no qualms about eating a juicy burger? Well, it turns out that there may be a disconnect between their affection for animals and their acceptance of meat consumption. Scientists have proposed a theoretical framework to understand this developmental disconnection. This framework delves into the factors influencing children’s moral evaluations, such as their knowledge of food systems and cultural norms surrounding meat. By examining these components, researchers hope to shed light on why children maintain contradictory beliefs about animals and meat. So, while children may enjoy cuddling with their pet puppy, they may not fully grasp the processes involved in turning animals into food. These findings could have important implications for educational programs and interventions aimed at promoting more sustainable and compassionate dietary choices among young people. To dive deeper into this fascinating research on the moral compass of children, check out the full article!

Many children care about animals yet are accepting of meat consumption. This may reflect a disconnect between children’s meat eating, food-systems knowledge, and their moral evaluations. A theoretical framework is proposed for understanding the developmental trajectory of this disconnection. We discuss its components and the implications for dietary interventions.

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