The Need and Theoretical Basis for Exploring Wildlife Value Orientations Cross-Culturally

Research in the United States suggests wildlife value orientations are changing as part of a broader shift in values. Specifically, a shift from materialist to post-materialist values occurring with modernization is linked to a rise in mutualism orientations, viewing wildlife as capable of relationships of trust with humans and as deserving of rights and caring. Although it is conceivable that growth in mutualism is a global phenomenon, little is known on a worldwide scale about the cognitive basis for human–wildlife relationships. The purpose of the investigation summarized throughout this special issue was to contribute to the need for research in this area by exploring wildlife value orientations across cultures. We began our investigation by asking whether mutualism could be detected as an orientation in societies outside the United States and by developing a method for cross-cultural value orientation assessment. Here we summarize the purpose and theoretical approach to this investigation.