A new study out of the University of West Terrier reveals that, despite more than thirty years of anticipatory zoocracy, some Park Animals still yearn to lord it over their fellow citizens.
The study, which was conducted jointly by UWT’s Departments of Political Science and Psychology, involved 35,000 Animals resident in The Park. Over a period of four years, researchers investigated the attitudes of different species toward zoocracy and other forms of Animal self-rule, as well as those Animals’ beliefs regarding the intelligence and abilities of other species. Researchers also logged attitudinal changes that took place as both the Animals in the study and The Park’s political system matured.
The findings will no doubt create controversy, say the study’s lead researchers, psychology professor Dr. Luule Aednik and Magnus P. Marmoset, who holds UWT’s Simian Chair in Political Philosophy.
“Co-operation isn’t necessarily inherent or part of the makeup of some classes of Animals or some species,” says Aednik.
“Sometimes, it’s a matter of education to get them to that point and sometimes it takes more than just a gentle nudge.”
For his part, Marmoset expressed a degree of dismay at the findings, even though he says he was not entirely surprised.
“As I have said many times, zoocracy is a new phenomenon and a fragile one. There are bound to be those who are still uncomfortable with it. We must work to ensure that it survives and that it, ultimately, thrives,” he said.
The full results of the study will appear in the April issue of the prestigious Journal of Experimental and Reactive Psychology (JERP).
