Summary
This blogs contains an introduction to the potential for a PAR approach to animals.
Action research, at its core, is a transformative methodology that seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by actively involving participants in the research process. It evolved out of disillusionment with the traditional positivist research model (Brydon-Miller, 1997) and emp sizes collaboration, empowerment, and real-world social change. Within this realm, Participatory Action Research (PAR) stands out, striving to holistically comprehend social situations and instigate change through collaboration between researchers, participants, and communities (Cornish et al., 2023). PAR has been a useful tool for addressing issues of systemic inequalities and empowering marginalized communities, such as during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and facilitating mental health programs for Australian Aboriginals (Tsey et al., 2004).
PAR’s steadfast commitment to honoring diverse ways of knowing, coupled with its rejection of prioritizing the researcher over participants, prompts a profound question: Can PAR extend beyond human entities?
Historically, animal subjugation has long-been justified through science and Judeo-Christian decrees that argue for the absolute difference between humans and other creatures. These divisions often hinge on three primary contentions: the impossibility of intersubjectivity, lack of subjectivity, and absence of spoken language (Merskin, 2010). It is worth noting that these same arguments maintained grounds for the mistreatment of indigenous and mentally handicapped people (2004). The assumption of human superiority has driven much of our scientific inquiry. However, trans-species psychology challenges these narratives, asserting that animals, like humans, share commonalities in cognition and emotion conserved through evolution that evinces their sentience. It explores the psychological experiences, behaviors, and needs of animals beyond traditional behaviorism and considers them as individuals with subjective lives and emotions (Bradshaw, 2010). The shift in our scientific understanding and acceptance of animals as complex beings akin to ourselves is evident in contemporary zoos, which now recognize the psychological needs of animals. This paradigm restructuring challenges the ethical implications of poor animal welfare under human guardianship and underscores that animals deserve a place in the discourse on social change.
Trans-species psychology, coupled with PAR, provides a potential avenue to amplify the voices of animals (Merskin, 2010). However, implementing PAR necessitates adapting human-centric methodologies to accommodate the unique characteristics, behaviors, and communication methods of different species. Modern research is gradually acknowledging that animals possess unique cultural and contextual aspects to their communication that are not easily translatable into human terms. Many species, especially highly social animals like dolphins and primates, exhibit complex communication systems specific to their species. Attempting to interpret their behavior solely through an anthropocentric lens will inevitably distort our understanding. The language barrier between humans and other animals is a prominent challenge, and this is where ethology becomes fundamental to the PAR approach (Bradshaw, 2010).
Ethology is the study of animal behavior with a particular focus on the observation and analysis of how animals interact with each other and their environment (Immelmann, 1980). It has already enriched our understanding of the social lives of species such as chimpanzees through the work of Jane Goodall. Keen and immersive observation of animal behaviors, social structures, and communication methods in natural environments must occur to grasp the intricacies of animal communities. Collaboration with experts and advocates, including animal caretakers with extensive field experience, will contribute to project insights. Innovative technologies, such as touchscreens for interactive communication, have shown promise and may be further instrumental in a PAR approach. Ethical considerations, rooted in respecting animal autonomy and natural behaviors, underpin the entire PAR process and evaluation metrics would diverge from typical human criteria to focus on behavioral changes and improved well-being. In this way, PAR on animals offers a novel avenue to deepen our understanding, enhance their welfare, and contribute to conservation efforts.
While the information within this blog may seem “crazy” or “over-anthropomorphizing,” PAR research remains open to equalizing all life on Earth. A reductionist science that draws distinct lines between species is complicit in the destruction of the natural world (Merskin, 2010, p.153). Animals having poor welfare under human guardianship does not bode well for the future of our world, as it reflects a continued collective passivity and apathy towards fellow organisms and environments. Indifference is a luxury we cannot afford. As our history unfolds in the Anthropocene era, marked by humanity’s profound influence on the planet since the Industrial Revolution (Rafferty, 2020), adopting a new mode of thinking about the creatures we share Earth with becomes imperative for our continued existence as a species.
Citations
Bradshaw, G. (2010). You see me, but do you hear me? The science and sensibility of trans-species dialogue. Feminism & Psychology, 20(3), 407-419. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1177/0959353510368285
Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory Action Research: Psychology and Social Change. Journal of Social Issues, 53(4). 657-666.
Cornish, F., Breton, N., Moreno-Tabarez, U. et al. (2023) Participatory action research. Nat Rev Methods Primers 3,34 . https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-023-00214-1
Immelmann, K. (1980). Introduction to ethology. In Springer eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-1054-9
Merskin, D. (2010). Hearing voices: The promise of participatory action research for animals. Action Research, 9(2), 144–161. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750310388050
Rafferty, J. P. (2020, March 28). Anthropocene Epoch | Definition & Evidence. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/science/Anthropocene-Epoch
Tsey, K., Patterson, D., Whiteside, M., Baird, L., Baird, B. C., & Tsey, K. (2004). A microanalysis of a participatory action research process with a rural Aboriginal men’s health group. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 10(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.1071/py04009
Tags: action research, PAR, participatory action research, Social Change Research
Your blog post offers a thought-provoking perspective on using Participatory Action Research (PAR) to enhance our understanding of animal welfare. It boldly questions the anthropocentric bias prevalent in our society and advocates for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the autonomy and individuality of animals. This viewpoint resonates with the principles of trans-species psychology articulated by Bradshaw (2010), which posits that animals, akin to humans, share cognitive and emotional similarities conserved through evolution.
Historically, the distinction between humans and animals has been rationalized through arguments about the infeasibility of intersubjectivity, absence of subjectivity, and lack of spoken language. These divisions have often been exploited to justify the mistreatment of animals, mirroring how they were used to rationalize the mistreatment of indigenous and mentally disabled people. However, the booming recognition of animals as complex beings with psychological needs challenges these narratives and necessitates a paradigm shift in our approach to animal welfare. Integrating trans-species psychology, PAR, and ethology could potentially usher in a new era in our understanding of animals and their welfare. Ethology, the scientific study of animal behavior, has already augmented our knowledge of the social lives of species such as chimpanzees, thanks to the pioneering work of Jane Goodall. By observing and analyzing how animals interact with each other and their environment, we can obtain insights into their unique perspectives and needs. However, the application of PAR with animals presents its own set of challenges. For instance, the language barrier between humans and animals is a significant obstacle. Animals possess unique cultural and contextual aspects to their communication that are not easily translatable into human terms. Therefore, it is imperative to adapt human-centric methodologies to accommodate different species’ unique characteristics, behaviors, and communication methods. Emerging technologies, such as touchscreens for interactive communication, have shown potential in bridging this gap. Collaboration with experts and advocates, including animal caretakers with extensive field experience, will also enrich the project insights. Ethical considerations, rooted in respecting animal autonomy and natural behaviors, form the bedrock of the entire PAR process.
The potential benefits of this approach are manifold. Not only could it deepen our understanding of animals and enhance their welfare, but it could also bolster conservation efforts. Moreover, it could challenge the anthropocentric bias in our society and foster a more inclusive and empathetic world. However, it is paramount to approach this with humility and respect for the autonomy and individuality of animals. We must be wary not to impose our interpretations and expectations on them but instead, strive to understand their unique perspectives. Adding to this, it would be interesting to explore the role of technology further in facilitating communication with animals. For instance, could machine learning algorithms be trained to interpret animal vocalizations and behaviors? Could virtual reality simulate the sensory experiences of different species, helping us better understand their perceptions of the world? These are just some exciting possibilities that integrating technology and PAR could offer. Furthermore, this approach could also affect how we design and manage animal habitats in captivity and the wild. By understanding their needs and preferences, we could create environments that promote their well-being and allow them to thrive.
In conclusion, integrating trans-species psychology, PAR, and ethology presents a promising pathway for advancing our understanding of animals and promoting their welfare. It challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with animals and acknowledge them as sentient beings with unique perspectives and needs. As we navigate the Anthropocene era, adopting this new mode of thinking becomes crucial for our continued existence as a species.
References:
Bradshaw, G. (2010). You see me, but do you hear me? The science and sensibility of trans-species dialogue. Feminism & Psychology, 20(3), 407-419. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1177/0959353510368285
Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory Action Research: Psychology and Social Change. Journal of Social Issues, 53(4). 657-666
Merskin, D. (2010). Hearing voices: The promise of participatory action research for animals. Action Research, 9(2), 144–161. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750310388050