Attitudes and Values

Values underpin one’s attitude, preferences and behaviour. Stephen Kellert (1996) identified 8 value types which influence environmental decision making. Based on the identified threats to the Singapore freshwater crab, human activities appear to account for a large proportion in the possible decline of it population. Therefore, this signifies the importance to understand about the values and attitudes of humans towards animals and its habitat.

In this section, I seek to identify and analyse the predominant values in the Singapore context towards the conservation of the Singapore freshwater crab. We will explore and discuss these values based on 2 groups of individuals – 1) researchers and supporters of nature 2) housing and urban developers 3) public.

Researchers and avid supporters of nature are likely to exhibit ecologistic, scientific, humanistic and naturalistic values in conserving the Singapore freshwater crab. Below are the definitions of these values as defined and quoted from Kellert (1996):

• Ecologistic: Primary concern for the environment as a system, for interrelationships between wildlife species and natural habitats
• Scientific: Primary interest in the physical and biological functioning
• Humanistic: Primary interest in/strong affection for individual animals, pets
• Naturalistic: Primary interest in and affection for wildlife and the outdoors

These values are evident in this group of individuals as they are likely to actively engage in further studies, research and possibly advocate, educate and increase awareness about the importance, significance and conservation of Singapore freshwater crab to their friends, family and the public.

Utilitarian value, based on Kellert (1996) refers to the “concern for the practical and material value of animals and/or habitats”. In the case of the Singapore freshwater crabs, its natural forested habitat in Singapore may possess utilitarian value for urban and housing developers. This dimension of value may be more prevalent among development stakeholders as they achieve economic gains through urban development. Hence, while monetary gains can be achieved, it may incur habitat loss and pollution during development process. This can threaten the habitats of our many local biodiversity, which includes the Singapore freshwater crabs.

Although neutralistic value was not listed among the Kellert’s 8 value types (1998), it was presented in his other articles in 1976 and 1984. Neutralistic value was defined as a “primary orientation a passive avoidance of animals due to indifference and lack of interest” (Kellert, 1976). Among some of the public, this value type may be present. While there is no evidence to ascertain, discussion on the conservation of Singapore freshwater crab among the public appears to be limited. Indifference to environmental impacts and animals could be accounted by nature deficit, where increasing urbanisation has largely decreased human interaction with and appreciation for nature. Hence, resulting in disinterest and/or detachment between humans, animals and their habitats.

Understanding and identifying attitudes and values has positive implications for practice. For example, outreach and awareness programmes can be designed and framed accordingly to change or improve the attitudes of the different targeted groups of people. While this does not guarantee immediate pro-environmental behaviour and beliefs, instilling positive attitudes and values with emotions can guide behaviours. Therefore, positive values is one way to empower stakeholders to make decisions with an obligations to protect animals and their habitats.