Wolf Conflicts: A Sociological Study

Wolf populations have recently made a comeback in Northern Europe and North America, causing predictable conflicts with livestock and hunters. Their arrivals often become embedded in more general societal tensions, particularly in rural communities and the rural working class. Wolf Conflicts discusses various aspects of this complex picture, including land use and conservation, and patterns of hegemony and resistance in modern societies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Wolf populations have recently made a remarkable comeback in Northern Europe and North America, reigniting the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. These majestic carnivores, with their impressive size and predatory instincts, have the potential to cause predictable conflicts by preying on livestock and competing with hunters for game. However, their arrival often sparks deeper societal tensions that arise alongside processes of social change that place significant pressure on rural communities and the rural working class in particular.

In order to better understand the complexities of wolf-human interactions, researchers and case studies have been conducted in Norway. Wolf Conflicts, a comprehensive book based on these research and case studies, delves into various aspects of this complex picture. It explores conflicts over land use and conservation, as well as more general patterns of hegemony and resistance in modern societies.

One of the key themes explored in Wolf Conflicts is the impact of wolf reintroduction on local communities. The authors argue that while wolves can bring ecological benefits, such as regulating prey populations and promoting biodiversity, their presence can also create social and economic challenges. For example, farmers may lose livestock to wolf attacks, leading to financial losses and increased stress levels. Additionally, conflicts over land use and conservation can arise as communities try to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with the demands of agriculture and other land-based activities.

Another important aspect of Wolf Conflicts is the role of government policies and regulations in managing wolf-human interactions. The authors note that different countries have adopted different approaches to wolf management, ranging from outright extermination to coexistence strategies. However, they argue that effective wolf management requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that considers both ecological and social factors.

Furthermore, Wolf Conflicts sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of wolves in human societies. The authors argue that wolves have been portrayed as both fearsome predators and wise guardians, depending on the cultural and historical context. They explore how these perceptions have influenced public attitudes towards wolf management and how they have shaped the legal and policy frameworks surrounding wolf conservation.

In conclusion, Wolf Conflicts provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about wolf-human interactions. By examining the complex interplay between wolves, local communities, government policies, and cultural perspectives, the book offers insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with wolf reintroduction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in addressing complex environmental issues and promotes a more nuanced and balanced approach to wildlife management.

Wolf populations have recently made a comeback in Northern Europe and North America, reigniting the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. These majestic carnivores, with their impressive size and predatory instincts, have the potential to cause predictable conflicts by preying on livestock and competing with hunters for game. However, their arrival often sparks deeper societal tensions that arise alongside processes of social change that place significant pressure on rural communities and the rural working class in particular.

In order to better understand the complexities of wolf-human interactions, researchers and case studies have been conducted in Norway. Wolf Conflicts, a comprehensive book based on these research and case studies, delves into various aspects of this complex picture. It explores conflicts over land use and conservation, as well as more general patterns of hegemony and resistance in modern societies.

One of the key themes explored in Wolf Conflicts is the impact of wolf reintroduction on local communities. The authors argue that while wolves can bring ecological benefits, such as regulating prey populations and promoting biodiversity, their presence can also create social and economic challenges. For example, farmers may lose livestock to wolf attacks, leading to financial losses and increased stress levels. Additionally, conflicts over land use and conservation can arise as communities try to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with the demands of agriculture and other land-based activities.

Another important aspect of Wolf Conflicts is the role of government policies and regulations in managing wolf-human interactions. The authors note that different countries have adopted different approaches to wolf management, ranging from outright extermination to coexistence strategies. However, they argue that effective wolf management requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that considers both ecological and social factors.

Furthermore, Wolf Conflicts sheds light on the cultural and historical significance of wolves in human societies. The authors argue that wolves have been portrayed as both fearsome predators and wise guardians, depending on the cultural and historical context. They explore how these perceptions have influenced public attitudes towards wolf management and how they have shaped the legal and policy frameworks surrounding wolf conservation.

In conclusion, Wolf Conflicts provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about wolf-human interactions. By examining the complex interplay between wolves, local communities, government policies, and cultural perspectives, the book offers insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with wolf reintroduction. It serves as a reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in addressing complex environmental issues and promotes a more nuanced and balanced approach to wildlife management.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 211 x 298 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800731783