Using Animals,
Part 1
— wild and domesticated animals
Introduction
In this Module, you will examine how the categories wild and domesticated animals have been produced,
and how these categories change according to place and across time. We consider the implications of these
categories for the human-animal relationship.
Directions
Please complete the following tasks in the order in which they are presented.
1. Read the Required Readings.
To help guide your reading, refer to the Guiding Questions section. Here you will find key
questions that you should be able to answer when you have completed all of the readings and
notes associated with this module.
2. Read the Professor's notes section, which provides an introduction to foundational concepts in this
course, and background for understanding these concepts and developing your sociological skills. Be
sure to read/view/listen to the content in the links.
3. Complete the assigned Discussion Activity for this Module.
Required Readings
Animals & Society,
Chapters 4, 5
Guiding Questions
Some questions to guide your reading:
1. The treatment of some animals as wild is relatively recent and related to colonialism. Discuss.
2. How has hunting changed over time and across different geographical places? Describe some of the
tensions and contradictions.
3. Describe the impact of colonialism on animals – wild and domesticated. What have been the
consequences for human-animal relations for settlers/colonizers and Indigenous peoples?
4. Today in most countries, wildlife is managed by governmental bodies and legislation. Describe the
dominant approach taken by such governing agencies. How has this approach resulted in
contradictory outcomes for animals?
5. In your textbook, you read about the public outcry of the killing of Cecil the Lion. From a sociological
approach, a focus on individual accounts of animal cruelty serve to redirect our attention away from
institutionalized cruelty. Discuss.
6. Define domestication.
7. Describe the domestication of the dog. What have been the impacts on human groups? On dogs?
8. Describe the results of domestication more generally on human societies, and on other animals.
9. How have animals' bodies been altered by domestication? How does this illustrate Foucault’s concept
biopower?
10. Is domestication mutually beneficial for humans and animals? Explain why or why not.
