Animals and modern cultures

About this book

Animals and Modern Cultures investigates the dramatic transformation of relationships between humans and animals in the twentieth century. In the early part of the century these were based on a categorical distinction between humans and animals, where animals were still largely a resource for human progress. At the close of the century that distinction and the subordination of animals is being seriously questioned. The book demonstrates that changing relationships with animals can only make sense by relating them to key aspects of social and cultural change. It is not focused on how humans should act towards animals; rather it is concerned with how humans relate to animals and how this has changed and why. Key changes are related to the moral crisis of humanity resulting from a breakdown of the modern world order. Moreover, it highlights, through chapters on companion animals, hunting and fishing, animal leisure's such as bird watching and wildlife parks, meat ad livestock industries, how attitudes and practices towards animals vary widely according to social class, ethnicity, gender, region and nation.