A critical review on gender differences in attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours about farmed animals

Debates about animal ethics have gained increasing prominence in recent decades, with gender emerging as a significant factor shaping views on animal welfare. We conducted a narrative review examining gender differences in beliefs about animal sentience, attitudes toward animal use, empathy for farmed animals, and consumer behaviours. We explored these gender differences, drawing on existing insights and discussions from studies identifying this effect, and contextualized them through sociological, anthropological, and historical perspectives on gendered social roles, the gendered division of labour, and patriarchal structures.

Research shows that women consistently demonstrate a greater concern for animal welfare, attribute greater cognitive and emotional capacities to animals, and are more likely to oppose animal confinement and painful procedures than men. Additionally, they are more likely to engage in animal rights movements, support stricter welfare regulations, and express a higher willingness to pay for animal-friendly products.
In contrast, masculinity is often associated with greater acceptance of meat consumption, hunting, and other practices that involve harm to animals. These patterns have been identified in many countries and across diverse groups, including the general public, students, veterinarians, farmers, and consumers. Gender differences are also evident in agriculture, where modernization has reinforced a masculine culture, sidelining women from high-value roles like dairy farming, while relegating them to caregiving tasks with reduced decision-making power. This gender divide may harm animal welfare, as women often report greater empathy for animals.
Although women are increasingly entering the veterinary profession, men still dominate large animal care, reinforcing gendered roles. Women’s contributions to animal behaviour and welfare research and teaching are significant, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership positions globally.
Future research should address the intersectionality of gender with other social factors and expand studies beyond Western contexts.

We conclude that the topic of animal ethics is deeply permeated by gender. We propose reflecting on two key questions: what can the human perspectives on non-human animals tell us about gender issues, and how can gender policies influence the lives of farmed animals? Ultimately, we argue that developing joint strategies for a more dignified life for women and non-human animals can guide us toward a more democratic future. Emphasizing a feminine perspective on animals can be valuable in bringing care and empathy to the centre of this debate. The historically hegemonic, patriarchal approach to dealing with animals has historically failed these beings. Adopting a more empathetic ethical approach must be on the agenda.