Stigmatizing Sin City Bully Culture: Pit Bull Pariahs?

• In Event: 2112 - Section on Animals and Society Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Animals and Identities

Abstract

This dissertation will draw from ethnographic data using Las Vegas as a case study to understand pit bull owners as a subculture and specifically, how they experience and negotiate their stigma. Subcultural framework will be used to explain pit bull ownership ideology, practices, and contradictions. Understanding pit bull owners as a stigmatized subculture will reveal the myths and realities of modern day pit bull ownership in the broader context of popular culture and pet ownership within society. This proposal begins with an introduction, followed by a literature review, and outline of methodology. An appendix of proposed interview protocol is also included.

Author

• Genevieve Minter, University of Nevada-Las Vegas