Book chapter
Introduction: Introducing multispecies sociology for the new normal
Human-Animal Relationships in Times of Pandemic and Climate Crises, pp.1-10
Routledge, 1
09/2024
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Abstract
Sociology as a discipline arose in response to concerns regarding the impacts of modernity on the experiences of human social life. As a discipline, we share a proud history of empathic engagement, rigorous research and continuous development of theoretical frameworks. This has positioned sociologists to respond to a wide range of social ills, inequities, trends and concerns, all of which have long linked the discipline with efforts toward increasing justice on local, national and global scales. However, the discipline has overwhelmingly focused on human inequities, ignoring the many other creatures who also share the social world. In the context of climate change, intensifying disasters and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which shape and are shaped by human entanglements with other animals and the environment, this oversight must be addressed. In particular, we argue that reimagining human relations with other species is non-negotiable as we grapple with what a 'new normal' might look like in this context of constant upheaval. This chapter explores the concept of 'the new normal', arguing that Multispecies Sociology holds immense promise to inform a 'new normal' that allows humans to live less badly with other animals and the environment, and that the need for this is increasingly urgent in the face of pandemic and climate crises. The subsequent outline of the chapters in this book expands on these themes, effectively holding a mirror to our multispecies entanglements - showing us what is, what must be unlearned, and where there are opportunities for change.
Details
- Title
- Introduction: Introducing multispecies sociology for the new normal
- Creators
- Zoei Sutton (Author)Josephine Browne (Author)
- Contributors
- Josephine Browne (Editor)Zoei Sutton (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Human-Animal Relationships in Times of Pandemic and Climate Crises, pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Edition
- 1
- Number of pages
- 10
- Identifiers
- 991013225783402368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter