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Sociology of the slaughterhouse

Sociology of the slaughterhouse

This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: Linda Kalof

York introducted the phrase "sociology of the slaughterhouse" to name an emerging subfield of inquiry that aims to develop "a deeper understanding of how exploitation and oppression [of nonhuman animals] (not to mention horrific acts of cruelty) are perpetuated and justified". This subfield falls within the larger field of research on the connections between animals and society and has both scientific and normative goals. The scientific goal focuses on developing social theory that explains human interaction with nonhuman animals, and the forces that lead to denegration of nonhumans. The normative goal is to challenge the widespread assumption that nonhuman animals are mere objects to be utilized for human benefit, and to develop an ethical perspective that places value on animal life.

Further Reading

  • York, Richard. 2004. "Humanity and Inhumanity: Toward a Sociology of the Slaughterhouse." Organization & Environment 17(2): 260-265.

Citation

Richard York (Lead Author);Linda Kalof (Topic Editor) "Sociology of the slaughterhouse". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth October 12, 2006; Last revised Date October 12, 2006; Retrieved June 18, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Sociology_of_the_slaughterhouse>

The Author

Richard York Richard York is an Associate Professor of sociology at the University of Oregon and co-editor of the Sage journal Organization & Environment. He received his Ph.D. in sociology from Washington State University in 2002. He has published articles in Ambio, American Sociological Review, Conservation Biology, Ecological Economics, Gender & Society, Human Ecology Review, Organization & Environment, Population Research and Policy Review, Social Science Quarterly, and other scholarly journ ... (Full Bio)

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