An Application of the 4Ns to Pronatalism: Implications for Animal Welfare

Abstract The 4Ns constitute four broad categories—normal, natural, necessary, and nice—into which justifications for the cultural practice of consuming certain animals (carnism) fall. Here, the 4Ns are applied to another ideology that also negatively impacts nonhuman animals: pronatalism, the cultural and political pressures to have your own biological children. Pronatalism has led to overpopulation and overconsumption, which are major drivers of factory farming and habitat destruction. In this context, the 4Ns are critiqued and countered. Those involved in animal welfare/ethics are encouraged to increase their awareness of the interrelatedness of pronatalism and animal welfare. Using existing theories in the field, such as the 4Ns, can help with this process.