Animals in the Sociologies of Westermarck and Durkheim

This book explores why animals, at some point, disappeared from the realm and scope of sociology. The role of sociology in the construction of a science of the 'human' has been substantial, building representations of the human sphere of life as unique. Within the sociological tradition however, animals have often been invisible, even non-existent. Through in-depth comparisons of the texts of prominent early sociologists Emile Durkheim and Edward Westermarck, Tuomivaara shows that despite this exclusion, representations of animals and human-animal relations were far more varied in early works than in the later sociological cannon.

Addressing a significant gap in the interdisciplinary field of animal studies, Tuomivaara presents a close reading of the historical treatment of animals in the works of Durkheim and Westermarck to determine how the human-animal boundary was established in sociological theory. The diverse forms in which animals and 'the animal'appear in the works of early classical sociology are charted and explored, alongside the sociological themes that bring animals into these texts. Situated in contemporary theory, from critical animal studies to posthumanism, this important book lays the groundwork for a disciplinary shift away from this sharp human-animal dualism.

Addresses an important gap in the literature of animal studies and sociology Provides a refreshing analysis of classical sociological theory from the animal perspective Situates the work in contemporary theory from critical animal studies to post-humanism

Auteur

Salla Tuomivaara is a sociologist (PhD), long-term animal advocate, NGO professional and non-fiction writer. Tuomivaara's main research interests are animal-human dualism, the significance of the human-animal boundary and the history of the social sciences.

Texte du rabat

This book explores why animals, at some point, disappeared from the realm and scope of sociology. The role of sociology in the construction of a science of the human has been substantial, building representations of the human sphere of life as unique. Within the sociological tradition however, animals have often been invisible, even non-existent. Through in-depth comparisons of the texts of prominent early sociologists Emile Durkheim and Edward Westermarck, Tuomivaara shows that despite this exclusion, representations of animals and human-animal relations were far more varied in early works than in the later sociological cannon. Addressing a significant gap in the interdisciplinary field of animal studies, Tuomivaara presents a close reading of the historical treatment of animals in the works of Durkheim and Westermarck to determine how the human-animal boundary was established in sociological theory. The diverse forms in which animals and the animal appear in the works of early classical sociology are charted and explored, alongside the sociological themes that bring animals into these texts. Situated in contemporary theory, from critical animal studies to posthumanism, this important book lays the groundwork for a disciplinary shift away from this sharp human-animal dualism.

Résumé

"Tuomivaara's analysis is thought-provoking and might change the canonical portrayal of these classics by providing a more diverse lens into the relationships of species. ... This is indeed indispensable, as we are currently living in a climate crisis that affects the ecosystem and societies - of humans and other species - in equal manner." (Lotta Hautamaki, Sosiologia, Issue 4, 2019)

Contenu

1. Why study the roots of exclusion of animals in sociology?.- 2. The era of Westermarck and Durkheim: sociology and society.- 3. Common interests and debates between Durkheim and Westermarck.- 4. Diversity of animals in Durkheim's and Westermarck's texts.- 5. Different animals of Westermarck and Durkheim.- 6. Uses of animals in early sociology.- 7. Different Others of Westermarck and Durkheim.- 8. Different ideas of humans of Durkheim and Westermarck.- 9. Conclusion.