Longitudinal Effects of Human Supremacy Beliefs and Vegetarianism Threat on Moral Exclusion (vs. Inclusion) of Animals

Stronger beliefs in human supremacy over animals, and stronger perceived threat posed by

vegetarianism to traditional practices, are associated with stronger speciesism and more meat

consumption (Dhont & Hodson, 2014). Both variables might also be implicated in the moral

exclusion of animals. We tested this potential in a 16-month longitudinal study in the USA (N

= 219). Human supremacy showed longitudinal effects on the moral exclusion of all animals.

Vegetarianism threat only predicted moral exclusion of food animals (e.g., cows and pigs),

and, unexpectedly, appealing wild animals (e.g., chimps and dolphins). These findings

demonstrate the importance of both human supremacy and perceived threat in explaining

moral exclusion of animals and highlight potential paradoxical negative consequences of the

rise of vegetarianism.