Sociology Capstone presentation

1. American Perceptions of Animals’ Senior Capstone Research Project Spring 2011

2. American Categorization Of Animals Questions to keep in mind while viewing this presentation: What do you think when you think of chickens? How many people do you know that own pets? Would you fight for the rights of chickens, cows, or anything other animal you commonly consume for dinner?

3. Research Question What has lead to the change in relationships towards animals within the past century? Why have Americans applied different ethical reasoning behind the treatment of particular animals?

4. Research Design and Methods The methods I chose to use for research were longitudinal research focused on one specific group of people, South Floridians between the ages of 18-25. The primarily method of data collection that was used was surveying this group of South Floridians, almost entirely Miami residents.

5. What are some of the elements that have changed the dynamics in which Americans relate with animals? Industrial revolution Urbanization Factory farming Growing number of households with pets

6. Data on Households that own pets

7. Primary Data Findings Most Americans treat and regard their pets as members of the family. Which Is a phrase commonly used in American Culture. This is evident also from the growing market of the pet industry. I have also found these results through the primary data. Most of the respondents 12 of the 16 owned pets while 14 out of the 16 grew up in households with pets. It became evident that this socialization has effected the way this group reacted to certain questions.

8. Conclusion Most Americans have found themselves interacting with certain species in unique contexts that have affected their reaction towards humane and inhumane treatment of animals. As long as the demand for the meat industry increase so will the desensitization of the inhumane treatment of animals that are considered valuable only in terms of human economic interests. The South Floridian group I surveyed truly believed that the inhumane treatment of “companion” species was respulsive.