The application of a sentiment analysis approach to explore public understandings of animal agriculture

Mahon, N.; Holloway, L.; Clark, Beth; Proctor, Amy

Abstract

Ideas about farming are important components of consumers' value judgements about the foods they purchase and consume. Nevertheless, a divide exists between public perceptions and the realities of agricultural practices. We take a novel approach, using sentiment analysis, amongst other methods, to explore what consumers think about farming and how the visual elements of agricultural images might contribute to these perceptions. Data were drawn from responses to questions about three photographs of contemporary UK dairy farms, part of an online survey (n = 521), exploring public perceptions of food and farming. Sentiment and content analysis, descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlations were used to analyse the data. Participants thought good animal farming involves an evaluation of both farmers' skill and the relative ethical correctness of certain farming practices. Dirt and untidiness were linked with an increased likelihood of animal disease, and cleanliness and tidiness with a decreased likelihood. According to respondents, keeping cattle inside was problematic, whereas keeping animals outside is more appropriate, linked to their ability to graze in fields and the perceived goodness of a grass-based diet. Respondents discussed the need for farmers to be qualified, passionate and care for their animals. The paper concludes by reflecting on the use of images and sentiment analysis in this type of research, suggesting that along with certain benefits there are limitations to these methods.

Citation

Mahon, N., Holloway, L., Clark, B., & Proctor, A. (2023). The application of a sentiment analysis approach to explore public understandings of animal agriculture. Journal of rural studies, 103, Article 103127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2023.103127

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 16, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 23, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 18, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 26, 2023
• Journal: Journal of rural studies
• Print ISSN: 0743-0167
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 103
• Article Number: 103127
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2023.103127
• Keywords: Consumers; Dairy farms; Farming images; Public perceptions; Sentiment analysis
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4393246