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What is Speciesism? Causes, Effects and Ways to Overcome

Our society differentiates between different animal species by assigning more protection and moral value to some than to others. While dogs and cats are considered beloved pets, it is deemed normal to use cows, pigs, or chickens for human consumption. This distinction is based not on objective biological or moral principles, but on a deeply rooted 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 whereby living beings are treated differently based on their species. Similar to racism or sexism, speciesism favours or disadvantages certain groups – in this case, based on their biological kind.

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 are often not recognised for animals.

Speciesism is manifested, for example, in the fact that some animals are kept in factory farming under cruel conditions, while others are cared for with special attention as pets. This arbitrary distinction is often justified culturally or economically, but it is ethically questionable.

Historical Background: How Did Speciesism Originate?

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

Antiquity and Middle Ages: The Emergence of the Human-Animal Divide

In many early cultures, animals were regarded as spiritual beings. Especially in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, respectful treatment of animals was considered a moral duty. In ancient Greece, however, a strict separation between humans and animals was first formulated. Aristotle (384–322 BCE) regarded humans as superior because they were attributed with reason, while animals acted only instinctively. This idea had a lasting influence on Western thought.

In the Middle Ages, the superiority of humans was strengthened by Christian theology. The Bible portrayed humans as the "crown of creation", which justified the use of animals for food, work, and clothing. This way of thinking influenced 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 reinforced. René Descartes (1596–1650) viewed animals as soulless automatons that merely responded to external stimuli. This justified animal experimentation and the industrial use of animals. Only with the Enlightenment was animal welfare sporadically discussed, yet most philosophers still regarded animals as means to an end.

19th and 20th Century: The Beginning of the Animal Rights Movement

Only in the 19th century did rising ethical concerns lead to the emergence of the first animal welfare movements. In 1824, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was founded in the UK. In the 20th century, behaviour researchers like Jane Goodall showed that animals possess complex emotions and social structures.

The publication of "Animal Liberation" (1975) by Peter Singer marked the beginning of the modern animal rights movement. 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 organisations like PETA or Animal Equality advocate for their rights.

Speciesist thinking has grown historically and is deeply embedded in our culture. It has only been closely questioned in recent decades. With growing awareness of the consciousness and ability of animals to suffer, it becomes increasingly clear that it is time to rethink our treatment of non-human beings.

Manifestations of Speciesism in Everyday Life

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

Diet: In most societies, it is 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 justified but culturally shaped.

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

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

Animal Testing: Millions of animals are tested in laboratories annually, often for cosmetics or medicines. Their suffering is often deemed necessary, even though there are alternative research methods.

Legislation: In many countries, there are strict laws for the protection of pets, while farm animals often enjoy minimal legal protection.

Ethical Arguments Against Speciesism

Opponents of speciesism argue that the suffering of a being does not count less just because it belongs to another species. The ability to suffer should be decisive for moral consideration, not biological classification.

Modern scientific insights show that many animals possess a high degree of intelligence, social abilities, and emotions. Pigs, for instance, are as intelligent as dogs, while crows can use tools. However, 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 recognised as morally wrong. Analogously, it is equally unjust to treat animals worse solely because of their species.

In recent years, numerous countries and companies have taken significant steps to improve animal protection and dismantle speciesist structures. Notable changes are evident especially in the fields of entertainment, fashion, and wildlife conservation.

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 with the goal of ceasing the use of animals as mere entertainment objects. Germany has also made progress: Since 2022, several German states have banned the holding of certain wild animal species, such as elephants, bears, or giraffes, in circuses.

The critical stance towards wildlife captivity is also reflected in the increasing number of countries banning dolphinariums and marine mammal parks. Canada passed laws in 2019 prohibiting the keeping or breeding of whales and dolphins in captivity. In 2021, France announced it would no longer capture Orcas or dolphins for captivity, and Barcelona plans to close its last dolphinarium and relocate the animals to protected marine areas. In Germany, protests against the keeping of dolphins in zoos are increasing, and there is discussion about closing existing facilities 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 completely abolish fur farms by 2025, while California was the first US state to ban the sale of fur products. Germany introduced stricter regulations for fur farms in 2017, leading to the closing of the last farms in the country in 2019. Major luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Canada Goose have announced they will forgo real fur in the future.

These developments indicate that societal attitudes towards animals are changing. More and more countries and companies are actively advocating for stricter animal welfare measures and recognising that animals should no longer be viewed merely as resources. In Germany, there is also growing pressure on politicians to impose further bans and stricter laws to protect animals.

Impacts of Speciesism on Animals, Environment and People

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

Effects on Animals: Factory Farming and Suffering

Every year, over 70 billion land animals are slaughtered worldwide for food production, most of them under extreme conditions in factory farming. Chickens, pigs, and cattle spend their entire lives in cramped cages or barns, often without daylight and fresh air. Particularly severe are agonising long-distance transports, where animals are transported without sufficient water and food. In slaughterhouses, there are often faulty stunning procedures, causing many animals to experience the process fully conscious.

Besides the food industry, speciesism affects other areas: animal experiments are still conducted despite modern alternatives, and animals in zoos, circuses, or dolphinariums suffer from inappropriate conditions.

Effects on the Environment: Climate Change and Resource Consumption

Industrial animal husbandry is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions – more than all global traffic combined. Especially problematic is the deforestation of rainforests for pastureland and the cultivation of feed crops like soy. Approximately 80% of the world's 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. Concurrently, livestock manure pollutes soils and water bodies with nitrates and phosphates, leading to water pollution and species extinction.

Effects on 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. Processed meat products like sausage and ham are suspected of being carcinogenic according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Moreover, industrial livestock farming exacerbates social inequalities. Large areas are used for growing animal feed while millions of people suffer from hunger. Reducing meat consumption could help utilise resources more efficiently and improve global food security.

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

Ways to Overcome Speciesism

Speciesism is deeply rooted 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 different levels – from personal consumption decisions to political measures.

1. Education and Awareness Raising

A central step to overcoming speciesism is education and awareness. Many people are unaware that the systematic exploitation of animals has not only moral but also ecological and health consequences. Through comprehensive information about the cognitive and emotional intelligence of animals, their ability to suffer, and the real conditions in livestock farming, awareness of the injustice of speciesist structures can be heightened.

Schools, universities, and media play a crucial role in conveying these issues. Scientific studies increasingly show that many animal species have complex social structures and a high level of sentience. Organisations like Animal Ethics, PETA, or ProVeg are actively engaged in disseminating 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 often adopted uncritically. To overcome speciesism, new ethical standards that do not regard animals as inferior beings must be established. This can be achieved through the promotion of animal-friendly values in art, literature, film, and advertising.

An example of cultural shift is the growing rejection of fur fashion or wildlife captivity in circuses. Such practices have already been banned or restricted through public pressure in many countries. A similar shift in the food industry could lead to animal-free alternatives becoming the norm, and products of animal origin gradually losing significance.

3. Everyday Decisions: Making Conscious Consumption Choices

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

Animal-free diet: By reducing or eliminating meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs, you can directly decrease the demand for products from factory farming. There are now numerous plant-based alternatives that enable a balanced diet.

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

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

Sustainable pet food: Pets can also be fed without conventional meat. An example of this is Marsavet Dry Dog Food Microbell with microbial protein. This innovative food uses no animal protein from livestock, instead utilising microbial protein, which presents an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and easily digestible protein source. Compared to traditional meat production, it requires up to 90% less land, water, and energy, making it an ethical and sustainable choice. Such alternatives help reduce demand for animal products and break speciesist structures in the long term.

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 efforts to strengthen animal rights, but these often focus on pets, while farm animals remain inadequately protected.

Calls for stricter animal welfare laws, the abolition of factory farming, and the promotion of plant-based alternatives are gaining increasing importance. Through petitions, elections, and political engagement, citizens can actively contribute to changing legal frameworks. An example is the growing number of cities and countries reducing subsidies for the meat industry and instead promoting sustainable diets.

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

Rethinking for a Fairer World

Speciesism shapes our societal thinking, yet this unequal treatment of animals is neither ethically justified nor unavoidable. Scientific evidence shows that animals possess emotions and the ability to suffer, therefore their systematic exploitation must be questioned.

Everyone can contribute to change – through more conscious consumption decisions, supporting animal rights, and sustainable alternatives. A first step is to evaluate animals not by their utility to humans, but to respect them as sentient beings with inherent value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Speciesism

1. What is meant by speciesism? Speciesism refers to the discrimination of living beings based on their species, where the interests of non-human animals are subordinated to human interests.
2. How does speciesism manifest in everyday life? Speciesism is evident in the unequal treatment of animals, such as in the care for pets compared to the exploitation of farm and experimental animals.
3. Why is speciesism morally problematic? It is problematic because it systematically ignores the suffering of animals, even though animals are 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 and calls for equal consideration of the interests of all sentient beings.
5. How can speciesism be overcome in everyday life? Speciesism can be overcome by avoiding animal products, choosing cruelty-free products, not visiting zoos or circuses, and adopting a vegan diet.