To read this content please select one of the options below:

Ethnozoology and the future of sociology

Arnold Arluke (Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, Northeastern University)

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

Article publication date: 1 March 2003

1201

Abstract

Three questions are explored regarding ethnozoology’s place in sociology. First, why has sociology been slow to explore this subject or to give it much credibility? Resistance by sociologists to ethnozoology is strikingly ironic, given the discipline’s willingness in recent years to consider the plight of virtually every human minority. Although androcentric and conservative biases no doubt are part of this resistance, it is suggested that significant resistance comes from sociologists involved in the study of various oppressed groups. Second, what has sociology done to study ethnozoology so far? Acritique is made of prior attempts to categorize research in this area along topical lines. Instead, the value of theoretically organizing this literature is advocated. Finally, how should sociology proceed with ethnozoological research? An argument is made for increasing applied research. Two exemplars are provided, including the trend by police to racially profile urban pit‐bull owners and the growth of uneasiness among veterinary students who resist the traditional use of animals as educational tools.

Keywords

Citation

Arluke, A. (2003), "Ethnozoology and the future of sociology", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 26-45. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330310790246

Publisher

:

MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited

Related articles