Navigating the Role of Responsibility: Habitus, Socialization and Human Impact on Animal Welfare

• In Event: 419 - Section on Animals and Society Paper Session. Sex, Gender, and the Nonhuman Body

Abstract

Nonhuman animals make up a large part of our society and social scientists are starting to acknowledge the fact that they should be incorporated into the fabric of the interdisciplinary studies which focus largely on humans. In an attempt to expand on the somewhat limited research regarding animals and society, the focus of this paper will pertain to dogs and cats – our most domesticated household pets – and how the habitus and socialization of individuals impacts the welfare of those animals within a community. From the theoretical perspective of Symbolic Interaction, this study is important to the overall improvement of interaction between humans and animals, considering the fact that both inhabit the same spaces. The study takes place in San Antonio, Texas and a statistical analysis will be conducted through surveys and interviews of approximately 150 participants to determine if the concepts of habitus and socialization impact animal welfare. Sociologically, this study is important as it provides a fresh foundation of research, which is necessary to a healthier understanding of the relationships between humans and animals.

Author

• Erin Nicole Kidder, University of Texas-San Antonio