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What is Speciesism? Causes, Consequences and Ways to Overcome

Our society differentiates between various animal species by attributing more protection and moral value to some than to others. While dogs and cats are regarded as beloved pets, it is considered natural to use cows, pigs, or chickens for human consumption. This distinction is not based on objective biological or moral principles but on a deeply ingrained mindset known as speciesism.

But what exactly does speciesism mean? How has this concept developed historically, and what are its consequences for animals, humans, and the environment? In this article, we explore the definition, the historical background, everyday manifestations, and ethical counterarguments.

Definition of Speciesism: What Does the Term Mean?

Speciesism describes a form of discrimination where living beings are treated differently based on their belonging to a particular species. Similar to racism or sexism, speciesism favours or disadvantages certain groups – in this case based on their biological species.

In practice, this means that the interests of non-human animals are systematically subordinated to human interests, regardless of whether they are equally capable of suffering or experiencing joy. While human rights are taken for granted, comparable rights for animals are often not recognised.

Speciesism manifests, for example, in the way some animals are kept under cruel conditions in mass husbandry, while others are cared for with special attention as pets. This arbitrary distinction is often justified culturally or economically but is ethically questionable.

Historical Background: How Did Speciesism Arise?

The term speciesism was first used in 1970 by the British psychologist Richard D. Ryder, but the idea that humans stand above other living beings goes far back in history. The way animals were treated varied across different cultures and epochs – from religious worship to systematic use as resources.

Antiquity and Middle Ages: The Emergence of Human-Animal Separation

In many early cultures, animals were considered spiritual beings. Especially in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, respectful treatment of animals was considered a moral obligation. In ancient Greece, on the other hand, a strict separation between humans and animals was first formulated. Aristotle (384-322 BC) saw humans as superior because they were attributed with reason, while animals acted instinctively. This idea had a lasting influence on Western thinking.

In the Middle Ages, the superiority of humans was reinforced by Christian theology. The Bible presented humans as the "crown of creation," which justified the use of animals for food, work, and clothing. This mindset shaped the treatment of animals in Europe for many centuries.

Modern Age and Enlightenment: Animals as Machines?

With the scientific revolution of the Renaissance and Modern Age, the separation between humans and animals was further intensified. René Descartes (1596–1650) saw animals as soulless automatons that merely showed reflexes to external stimuli. This justified animal experimentation and the industrial use of animals. Only during the Enlightenment was animal welfare occasionally discussed, but most philosophers continued to view animals as means to an end.

19th and 20th Centuries: The Start of the Animal Rights Movement

Not until the 19th century did growing ethical concerns lead to the emergence of the first animal protection movements. In 1824, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was founded in Britain. In the 20th century, behavioural researchers like Jane Goodall demonstrated that animals possess complex emotions and social structures.

With the publication of "Animal Liberation" (1975) by Peter Singer, the modern animal rights movement began. Singer argued that speciesism is as morally questionable as racism or sexism. Since then, many philosophers and activists have addressed the unequal treatment of animals, and organizations like PETA or Animal Equality advocate for their rights.

Speciesist thinking is historically grown and deeply rooted in our culture. It has only been more intensely questioned in recent decades. With growing recognition of the consciousness and suffering ability of animals, it is becoming increasingly clear that it is time to rethink our approach to non-human living beings.

Manifestations of Speciesism in Everyday Life

Speciesism is deeply embedded in our culture and everyday practices. Often, we don't even recognize that we favour certain animal species while inflicting suffering on others. Here are some examples:

Diet: In most societies, it's normal to eat certain animals like cattle, pigs, or chickens while others – such as dogs or cats – are considered family members. This distinction is not biologically founded but culturally shaped.

Clothing: Many garments are made of leather, wool, or fur, meaning animals are used or killed for fashion purposes.

Entertainment: Zoos, circuses, and dolphinariums keep animals often under unnatural conditions to use them for human entertainment.

Animal testing: Millions of animals are annually tested in laboratories, often for cosmetic products or drugs. Their suffering is often seen as necessary, even though there are alternative research methods.

Legislation: In many countries, there are strict laws to protect pets, while livestock often enjoys only minimal legal protection.

Ethical Arguments Against Speciesism

Critics of speciesism argue that the suffering of a living being is no less important just because it belongs to a different species. The decisive factor for moral consideration should be the ability to suffer, not the biological classification.

Modern scientific findings show that many animals possess a high degree of intelligence, social skills, and emotions. For example, pigs are just as intelligent as dogs, while crows can use tools. Still, some of these animals are protected, while others are regarded merely as food.

Another argument against speciesism is that other forms of discrimination – such as racism or sexism – have already been recognized as morally wrong. Analogously, it is equally unjust to treat animals worse solely because of their species membership.

In recent years, numerous countries and companies have taken significant steps to improve animal protection and dismantle speciesist structures. Particularly in the areas of entertainment, fashion, and wildlife management, noticeable changes are evident.

In 2021, France decided to gradually ban the keeping of wild animals in circuses to end the suffering of elephants, lions, and other animals. The UK, Italy, and the Netherlands have also passed similar laws that aim to no longer use animals purely as entertainment objects. Germany, too, has made progress: Since 2022, it has been forbidden in several federal states to keep certain wild animal species like elephants, bears, or giraffes in circuses. There are also calls for a nationwide ban that has not yet been fully implemented.

The critical stance towards wild animal keeping is also reflected in the increasing number of countries banning dolphinariums and marine mammal parks. Canada enacted laws in 2019 that prohibit holding or breeding whales and dolphins in captivity. France announced in 2021 that it would no longer take in new orcas or dolphins in captivity, and Barcelona plans to close its last dolphinarium and transfer the animals to protected marine areas. In Germany, protests against the keeping of dolphins in zoos are increasing, and there is discussion about whether existing facilities should be closed in the long term.

The fashion industry is also increasingly responding to criticism of the use of animal products. Norway and Estonia have decided to abolish fur farms entirely by 2025, while California became the first US state to ban the sale of fur products. Germany introduced stricter regulations for fur farms in 2017, resulting in the last operations in the country closing in 2019. Major luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Canada Goose have announced they will no longer use real fur in the future.

These developments show that society's attitude towards animals is changing. More and more countries and companies are actively advocating for stricter animal protection measures and recognizing that animals should no longer be regarded merely as resources. In Germany, too, there is growing pressure on politics to implement further bans and stricter laws to protect animals.

Impact of Speciesism on Animals, Environment, and Humans

Speciesism not only influences how animals are treated but also has significant ecological and social consequences. The systematic exploitation of animals leads to massive suffering, harms the environment, and has long-term effects on human health and food security.

Consequences for Animals: Industrial Husbandry and Suffering

Worldwide, over 70 billion land animals are slaughtered annually for food production, most under extreme conditions in industrial husbandry. Chickens, pigs, and cattle spend their entire lives in cramped cages or barns, often without daylight and fresh air. Particularly severe are the agonizing long-distance transports, where animals are transported without adequate water and food. In slaughterhouses, there are often flawed stunning procedures, so many animals experience their killing consciously.

Besides the food industry, speciesism also affects other areas: Animal testing is still carried out despite modern alternatives, and animals in zoos, circuses, or dolphinariums suffer from inadequate conditions.

Consequences for the Environment: Climate Change and Resource Consumption

The industrial animal husbandry is responsible for 14.5% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions – more than all global transportation combined. Particularly problematic is the deforestation of rainforests for pastureland and the cultivation of feed crops like soy. About 80% of the globally grown soy is used as animal feed.

Another major issue is the high water consumption: The production of 1 kg of beef requires up to 15,000 litres of water. At the same time, the excrement of livestock pollutes soil and water with nitrates and phosphates, leading to water pollution and species extinction.

Consequences for Humans: Health Risks and Social Inequality

Studies show that a high consumption of animal products increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Particularly processed meat products like sausages and ham are suspected by the World Health Organization (WHO) of being carcinogenic.

Furthermore, industrial animal husbandry exacerbates social inequalities. Large areas are used for feed crop cultivation, while millions of people suffer from hunger. A reduction in meat consumption could help to use resources more efficiently and improve global food security.

Speciesism causes massive animal suffering, accelerates climate change, and has negative effects on human health and nutrition. A more conscious approach to animal products and sustainable alternatives can help mitigate these problems and create a fairer world for all living beings.

Ways to Overcome Speciesism

Speciesism is deeply embedded in our societal structures, but there are numerous ways to question and change this mindset. Overcoming speciesism requires both individual and societal changes that impact various levels – from personal consumer decisions to political measures.

1. Education and Raising Awareness

A crucial step in overcoming speciesism is education and awareness-raising. Many people are unaware that the systematic exploitation of animals not only has moral but also ecological and health consequences. By providing well-founded information about the cognitive and emotional intelligence of animals, their capacity to suffer, and the real conditions in industrial husbandry, awareness of the injustice of speciesist structures can be heightened.

Schools, universities, and media play a decisive role in conveying these topics. Scientific studies are increasingly showing that many animal species possess complex social structures and a high degree of sentience. Organizations like Animal Ethics, PETA, or ProVeg actively advocate the dissemination of information and offer educational materials to raise awareness for animal rights.

2. Cultural Changes and Creating New Norms

Many speciesist practices are based on societal norms and traditions that are often adopted without reflection. To overcome speciesism, new ethical standards must be established, which no longer regard animals as inferior beings. This can be done by promoting animal-friendly values in art, literature, film, and advertising.

An example of cultural change is the increasing rejection of fur fashion or wild animal keeping in circuses. In many countries, such practices have already been banned or severely restricted due to public pressure. A similar change in the food industry could lead to non-animal alternatives becoming the norm, and products of animal origin gradually losing significance.

3. Everyday Decisions: Making Conscious Consumer Choices

Every purchase is a decision – and with every decision, animal suffering can be reduced. This includes:

Animal cruelty-free diet: Reducing or eliminating meat, fish, dairy, and eggs directly contributes to decreasing the demand for products from industrial husbandry. There are now numerous plant-based alternatives that enable a balanced diet.

Choosing animal-free products: Many cosmetics and household products are still tested on animals. By purchasing animal-free products, every consumer can make a statement.

Fashion without animal cruelty: Leather, wool, and fur cause immense animal suffering. More and more brands are offering sustainable, animal-free alternatives.

Sustainable pet food: Pets can also be fed without conventional meat. An example is Marsavet Dry Dog Food Microbell with microbial protein. This innovative food avoids animal protein derived from livestock and instead uses microbial protein, which is an environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and easily digestible protein source. Compared to conventional meat production, it requires up to 90% less land, water, and energy, making it an ethical and sustainable choice. Such alternatives help reduce the demand for animal products and in the long term, break down speciesist structures.

4. Political and Legal Changes

Individual decisions are an important factor, but to systematically combat speciesism, political measures and legal regulations are also necessary. In many countries, there are already initial approaches to strengthening animal rights, but often these are limited to pets while livestock remains inadequately protected.

Calls for stricter animal protection laws, the abolition of industrial husbandry, and the promotion of plant-based alternatives are gaining increasing importance. Through petitions, elections, and political involvement, citizens can actively contribute to changing legal frameworks. An example of this is the growing number of cities and countries that reduce subsidies for the meat industry and instead promote sustainable diets.

Overcoming speciesism requires a comprehensive societal change that includes education, culture, consumer behaviour, and political measures. Every single step – whether through conscious consumption, education, or political engagement – contributes to breaking down speciesist structures and creating a fairer world for all living beings.

Rethinking for a Fairer World

Speciesism shapes our societal thinking, but this unequal treatment of animals is neither ethically acceptable nor inevitable. Scientific insights show that animals possess emotions and the capacity to suffer, which is why their systematic exploitation must be questioned.

Everyone can contribute to change – through more conscious consumer choices, supporting animal rights, and sustainable alternatives. A first step is to not evaluate animals based on their utility to humans but to respect them as sentient beings with their own value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speciesism

1. What is meant by speciesism? Speciesism refers to the discrimination of living beings based on their species membership, where the interests of non-human animals are subordinated to human interests.
2. How does speciesism manifest in everyday life? Speciesism manifests in the unequal treatment of animals, such as caring for pets compared to the exploitation of farm and laboratory animals.
3. Why is speciesism morally problematic? It is problematic because it systematically ignores the suffering of animals, although animals are just as capable of suffering as humans.
4. What is anti-speciesism? Anti-speciesism is the stance against the discrimination of animals based on their species membership and calls for equal consideration of the interests of all sentient beings.
5. How can one overcome speciesism in everyday life? One can overcome speciesism by avoiding animal products, choosing animal-free products, not visiting zoos or circuses, and adopting a vegan diet.