The big bad Wolf: The formation of a stereotype

Abstract

In this paper we consider the negative sentiments surrounding the return of the wolf to Central Europe. Management plans devised to facilitate human-wolf coexistence have largely focused on wolf biology and the economic implications of the wolf's presence in attempts to inform people and address practical concerns. Yet many people's attitudes toward wolves do not seem in accord with biologically based knowledge. In this essay, we argue that there are deeply rooted implicit beliefs and feelings that mitigate against a rationally based understanding of, and coexistence between, humans and wolves in Central Europe. Specifically, we propose that negative feelings toward wolves are in part associated with aspects of actual wolf behavior, which correspond to the human understanding of the notion of evil. This correspondence appears to give rise to the stereotype of a Big Bad Wolf that may help fuel the heated societal debates about wolves. To conclude, we propose that in order to better understand human-wolf relationships, information about cultural stereotypes needs to be taken into account. Furthermore, we suggest that consideration of these stereotypes may help inform the debate around human-wolf coexistence.