Pei Su - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Pei F. Su is the Founder & Executive Director of ACTAsia. She has an MA in Sociology. Established in 2006, ACTAsia is a registered charity/non-profit organisation in the UK, USA, The Netherlands, Australia and China. She has been active in humane education, animal welfare and non-profit organisation management for over 20 years. For five years Pei worked for the World Animal Protection (WAP) where she was Asia Project Manager and Member Society Director. In 2005 she initiated and co-organised a four-week capacity building resident course in Italy for young leaders in animal welfare worldwide. She is regularly invited to present papers at International conferences and has published numerous reports and articles on social responsibilities.
Supervisors: Professor Ted Benton, University of Essex
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Papers by Pei Su
Abstract The moral character of China’s single-child generation has been studied by Chinese resea... more Abstract The moral character of China’s single-child generation has been studied by Chinese researchers since the early 1990s. Recent acts of animal cruelty by college students turned this subject of academic inquiry into a topic of public debate. This study joins the inquiry by asking if the perceived unique traits of the single-child generation, i.e. self-centeredness, lack of compassion, and indifference to the feelings of others, are discernible in their attitudes toward animals. Specifically, the study investigates whether the college students are in favor of better treatment of animals, objects of unprecedented exploitation on the Chinese mainland. With the help of two surveys conducted in selected Chinese universities, this study concludes that the college students, a majority of whom belong to the single-child generation, are not morally compromised. A high percentage of the surveyed expressed empathy toward animals and opposed animal cruelty. This finding suggests that upbringing in families with better material conditions has not undercut the moral development of the students. Importantly, the study supports the view that China is philosophically ready for legislation on animal welfare despite the remaining ideological, cultural, and economic factors that discourage societal activism for animal protection.
This paper attempts to detail the legislative process in China to give greater understanding of ... more This paper attempts to detail the legislative process
in China to give greater understanding of what can
reasonably be achieved, in what time scale and
how it should be approached. The opportunities
to develop a successful NGO animal welfare sector
are plentiful, but to enable this to happen, overseas
assistance needs to be coupled with a greater
understanding of the recent historical, political
and social factors in China, as animal welfare can
only be addressed within this context.
Conference Presentations by Pei Su
The Cycle of Abuse refers to conflict within domestic settings and shows the relationship between... more The Cycle of Abuse refers to conflict within domestic settings and shows the relationship between animal abuse, abuse of humans and domestic violence. This ‘Cycle’ can potentially be broken through a process known as Humane Education, which is based on a non-threatening format that does not impose a belief system, but attempts to create a platform for independent critical thinking, so individuals, even a young child, can evaluate information and make informed choices. It is an area of study that fosters in individuals a sense of empathy that extends to the web of life – to humans, animals and the natural world, recognising that all are interrelated.
ACTAsia is providing Caring for Life education in China, as a strategy which ultimately helps to ... more ACTAsia is providing Caring for Life education in China, as a strategy which ultimately helps to empower young people not just in the classroom, but also in their daily interactions with others, using examples and role models that help students understand issues which affect their lives.
This paper will discuss the brief history and development of humane education in the USA and the ... more This paper will discuss the brief history and development of humane education in the USA and the challenges it is facing, through the perceptions of a non-native American who is an experienced animal protectionist. Furthermore, the paper will explain how the USA experience impacts on how the development of humane education can be beneficial for Asia.
Abstract The moral character of China’s single-child generation has been studied by Chinese resea... more Abstract The moral character of China’s single-child generation has been studied by Chinese researchers since the early 1990s. Recent acts of animal cruelty by college students turned this subject of academic inquiry into a topic of public debate. This study joins the inquiry by asking if the perceived unique traits of the single-child generation, i.e. self-centeredness, lack of compassion, and indifference to the feelings of others, are discernible in their attitudes toward animals. Specifically, the study investigates whether the college students are in favor of better treatment of animals, objects of unprecedented exploitation on the Chinese mainland. With the help of two surveys conducted in selected Chinese universities, this study concludes that the college students, a majority of whom belong to the single-child generation, are not morally compromised. A high percentage of the surveyed expressed empathy toward animals and opposed animal cruelty. This finding suggests that upbringing in families with better material conditions has not undercut the moral development of the students. Importantly, the study supports the view that China is philosophically ready for legislation on animal welfare despite the remaining ideological, cultural, and economic factors that discourage societal activism for animal protection.
This paper attempts to detail the legislative process in China to give greater understanding of ... more This paper attempts to detail the legislative process
in China to give greater understanding of what can
reasonably be achieved, in what time scale and
how it should be approached. The opportunities
to develop a successful NGO animal welfare sector
are plentiful, but to enable this to happen, overseas
assistance needs to be coupled with a greater
understanding of the recent historical, political
and social factors in China, as animal welfare can
only be addressed within this context.
The Cycle of Abuse refers to conflict within domestic settings and shows the relationship between... more The Cycle of Abuse refers to conflict within domestic settings and shows the relationship between animal abuse, abuse of humans and domestic violence. This ‘Cycle’ can potentially be broken through a process known as Humane Education, which is based on a non-threatening format that does not impose a belief system, but attempts to create a platform for independent critical thinking, so individuals, even a young child, can evaluate information and make informed choices. It is an area of study that fosters in individuals a sense of empathy that extends to the web of life – to humans, animals and the natural world, recognising that all are interrelated.
ACTAsia is providing Caring for Life education in China, as a strategy which ultimately helps to ... more ACTAsia is providing Caring for Life education in China, as a strategy which ultimately helps to empower young people not just in the classroom, but also in their daily interactions with others, using examples and role models that help students understand issues which affect their lives.
This paper will discuss the brief history and development of humane education in the USA and the ... more This paper will discuss the brief history and development of humane education in the USA and the challenges it is facing, through the perceptions of a non-native American who is an experienced animal protectionist. Furthermore, the paper will explain how the USA experience impacts on how the development of humane education can be beneficial for Asia.