Bright Minds & Bushy Tails: How education impacts animal-related attitudes in Japanese graduate students Japanese graduate students

“Iyashi” (i.e., well-being) can stem from human-animal interactions (HAI), like those developed through companionship, animal-assisted therapies, or animal cafes. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to, or education about, non-human animals may lead to a greater understanding of non-human animal sentience. What could be the impact of a short-term educational program on attitudinal change? This study will investigate the impact of two separate 2-week courses taught through the Hokkaido Summer Institute (one HAI-related and one non-HAI related) on graduate students’ perceptions of, and empathy towards, non-human animals. Students that participate in the HAI-related, but not the non-HAI-related, course are expected to show significant changes in attitudes toward the use of, and empathy for, animals. An ethical tendency towards idealism, but not relativism, is expected to positively correlate with scores on the above measures in the HAI course group. An ethnographic/qualitative examination of teaching practices in a Japanese graduate classroom will also be conducted. Results from this study will contribute to the Canadian public’s understanding, and appreciation, of the roles of non-human animals in the everyday lives of humans as well as the diversity of teaching strategies in Japan.

Faculty Supervisor:

Margaret Moulson

Student:

Partner:

Hokkaido University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Agriculture; Education

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: