Viewing Nature: A Reception Analysis of Anthropomorphizing in Nature Documentaries

Abstract

Nature documentaries have seen a rise in popularity in the past few decades, which some have called “the renaissance of the nature documentary”. However, there has been much criticism from nature documentary scholars on the use of anthropomorphism because of the effect it might have on viewers ideas of nature. Such effects have never been investigated and as such, this exploratory research endeavoured to look into those effects. Using qualitative pre- and post-questionnaires, and supplementary interviews, effects of two anthropomorphic films (WILD, De Nieuwe Wildernis) were found on participants’ (N=22) ideas of nature, some of which were anticipated based on extant literature, such as gender stereotyping and “humanising” of non-human animals. The research thus substantiates claims from nature documentary scholars. Other effects, such as participants being aware of anthropomorphism, were unexpected and require further investigation. Further research into specific aspects of anthropomorphism is also suggested, as well nature documentary makers possibly using this research to critically examine the anthropomorphism in their work.