I think you’re certainly right that the key lies somewhere in this approach. The main problem is reconciling it with the narrative companies wish to present and the narrative consumers present to themselves. Both fall along the lines of ‘we are good, so let’s not think about what might contradict that idea’. I think carbon credits (while debated) are somewhat successful because companies and individuals can be part of the programme without villifying themselves (you often can’t avoid generating carbon in a practicable manner). However, to do the same for animal welfare requires an initial admission of guilt (inside the mind). I believe this is the major hurdle to not only implementing markets, but just about anything animal welfare related—working against the ostrich effect.
A thoughtful post, and definitely makes me want to further consider how it would be possible to address the hurdles of its implementation.
I think you’re certainly right that the key lies somewhere in this approach. The main problem is reconciling it with the narrative companies wish to present and the narrative consumers present to themselves. Both fall along the lines of ‘we are good, so let’s not think about what might contradict that idea’. I think carbon credits (while debated) are somewhat successful because companies and individuals can be part of the programme without villifying themselves (you often can’t avoid generating carbon in a practicable manner). However, to do the same for animal welfare requires an initial admission of guilt (inside the mind). I believe this is the major hurdle to not only implementing markets, but just about anything animal welfare related—working against the ostrich effect.
A thoughtful post, and definitely makes me want to further consider how it would be possible to address the hurdles of its implementation.