Animals and Society: An Introduction to Human-Animal Studies

by Margo Demello

Considering that much of human society is structured through its interaction with non-human animals, and since human society relies heavily on the exploitation of animals to serve human needs, human–animal studies has become a rapidly expanding field of research, featuring a number of distinct positions, perspectives, and theories that require nuanced explanation and contextualization.

The first book to provide a full overview of human–animal studies, this volume focuses on the conceptual construction of animals in American culture and the way in which it reinforces and perpetuates hierarchical human relationships rooted in racism, sexism, and class privilege. Margo DeMello considers interactions between humans and animals within the family, the law, the religious and political system, and other major social institutions, and she unpacks the different identities humans fashion for themselves and for others through animals. Essays also cover speciesism and evolutionary continuities; the role and preservation of animals in the wild; the debate over zoos and the use of animals in sports; domestication; agricultural practices such as factory farming; vivisection; animal cruelty; animal activism; the representation of animals in literature and film; and animal ethics. Sidebars highlight contemporary controversies and issues, with recommendations for additional reading, educational films, and related websites. DeMello concludes with an analysis of major philosophical positions on human social policy and the future of human–animal relations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Philosophy, Reference, Academic, School

488 pages, Hardcover

First published August 21, 2012

Reviews

[Danielle Haig]

This book was a good broad overview of the main issues of human-animal studies, very basic and for someone unfamiliar with the field. However, the writing and especially the editing was terrible, which for me took away some credibility.

[Liz]

I am going to use this book as a textbook for an animal rights course, so I kept in mind how a student would react to it as I read it. I found it to be extremely informative. The author provided a lot of historical information as well as current data, and I think she did a good job of being descriptive without trying to convince the reader to take a certain stand on each issue. The book covers many major issues regarding animals and society so all readers should find information that they are specifically interested in.

[Susan Sabo]

A good introductory book for those interested in animal/human studies. I'm centered more on ethology, but this was a good primer. I found it a bit like a textbook in the beginning, a little hard to get into, but once I got past the first chapter it was much smoother. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the subject.

[Maria]

Superb! Reads like a thriller, and makes you think. Lots of facts, skillfully organised; persuasive without preaching.

[Jessica Gullion]

I used this book to teach Animals and Society. It’s good for an undergrad course, a bit simplistic for grad students. It gets kind of repetitive, but the students seemed to enjoy it.

[Hilary Scharper]

An excellent book! Measured, well-written and comprehensive. There are plenty of opportunities to go deeper into the materials provided. The author speaks to both introductory and advanced levels of familiarity with this subject and provides helpful classroom resources such as readings, websites, films, etc.

[Season Ellison]

A great introductory text. Simple to read and insightful.