Farm Animals as Fictitious Commodities: Exploitation, Consequences, and Counter-Movements

• In Event: 374 - Regular Session. Human-Animal Interaction

Abstract

This paper examines how animals, along with land and labor, represent fictitious commodities as described by Karl Polanyi. Farm animals are explored as an extreme example of animal commodification whose use resembles the exploitation of land and labor. Conceptual frameworks developed from Marxist theory, including the subsumption of nature, the second contradiction of capitalism, and alienation, are applied to illustrate that the animal welfare, ecological, and public health risks associated with livestock production are caused by attempts to overcome the incomplete commodification of farm animals. As with land and labor, counter-movements have emerged to protect farm animals. This paper illustrates how social theory can be extended to apply to animals, especially animals that are deeply embedded in human society. The inclusion of animals in social analyses also serves to strengthen our overall understanding of exploitation and oppression under capitalism.

Authors

• Diana Stuart, Michigan State University

• Ryan Gunderson, Miami University