Feminist Animal Studies: Theories, Practices, Politics

Feminism is still important for animal studies and critical scholarship. It offers new insights into gender, species, and social difference. The book showcases cutting-edge international scholarship from established and emerging scholars and activists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Feminism remains an essential and dynamic concept in the field of animal studies, providing a framework for understanding the complex relationships between humans and nonhuman animals. Theoretically, feminism offers a critical lens through which to examine the power dynamics and inequalities that exist between different species, challenging the notion of human superiority and promoting a more inclusive and equitable approach to animal welfare. Methodologically, feminism encourages researchers to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from various disciplines such as biology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy to better understand the experiences and perspectives of animals. Politically, feminism advocates for the recognition of animal rights and the abolition of animal exploitation, promoting a more compassionate and sustainable world.

In recent years, feminist animal studies has made significant strides in developing new and innovative contributions to theoretical debates in contemporary social sciences. This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including gender, species, and the relations of these to and other formations of social difference, such as sexuality, ethnicity, and embodiment.

One of the key areas of focus in feminist animal studies is the examination of the gendered and sexualized nature of animal bodies. Scholars have explored how animals are often subjected to patriarchal and heteronormative norms, which limit their freedom and agency and perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. Feminist animal studies also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity of animal experiences and perspectives, including those of nonhuman animals, which are often overlooked or marginalized in traditional scientific and philosophical approaches.

Another important area of inquiry in feminist animal studies is the relationship between speciesism and social justice. Scholars argue that the dominant human-centric worldview that views animals as resources and objects to be used and controlled is inherently flawed and contributes to the exploitation and suffering of nonhuman animals. Feminist animal studies seeks to challenge this worldview and promote a more ethical and sustainable relationship between humans and other species.

Feminist animal studies also explores the intersection of race, ethnicity, and animal rights. Scholars argue that the experiences of marginalized communities, such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, are often intertwined with the treatment of animals. For example, BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by animal agriculture, which is a major contributor to environmental degradation and climate change. Feminist animal studies seeks to address these issues and promote a more just and equitable relationship between humans and nonhuman animals.

In addition to these theoretical debates, feminist animal studies also includes a range of cutting-edge, international scholarship in the field. This scholarship includes both established and emerging scholars and activist contributions, which provide a wealth of insights and perspectives on the issues at hand.

One example of this scholarship is the work of feminist animal rights activists, such as Carol J. Adams and Sue Bennett, who have been advocating for the recognition of animal rights and the abolition of animal exploitation for decades. Their work has inspired a growing movement of activists and scholars who are working to promote a more compassionate and sustainable world for all species.

Another example of this scholarship is the work of feminist scholars who are exploring the connections between gender, species, and other forms of social difference. For example, scholar Sarah Tomley has explored how the concept of "gender" is often used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases against nonhuman animals, while scholar Rebecca Coleman has explored how the concept of "species" is used to justify the exploitation and domination of nonhuman animals.

In conclusion, feminist animal studies remains an essential and dynamic concept in the field of animal studies, providing a framework for understanding the complex relationships between humans and nonhuman animals. The field has made significant strides in developing new and innovative contributions to theoretical debates in contemporary social sciences, and this scholarship provides a wealth of insights and perspectives on the issues at hand. As we continue to grapple with the ethical and environmental challenges of our time, feminist animal studies will play an important role in promoting a more just and sustainable world for all species.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032120089