Introducing multispecies sociology for the new normal

Zoei Sutton, Josephine Browne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Sociology as a discipline arose in response to concerns regarding the impacts of modernity on the experiences of human social life. As a discipline, we share a proud history of empathic engagement, rigorous research, and the continuous development of theoretical frameworks. This has positioned sociologists to respond to a wide range of social ills, inequities, trends and concerns, all of which has long linked the discipline with efforts toward increasing justice on local, national and global scales. However, the discipline has overwhelmingly focussed on human inequities, ignoring the many other creatures who also share the social world. In the current context of climate change, intensifying disasters and the global Covid-19 pandemic, which shape and are shaped by human entanglements with other animals and the environment, this oversight must be addressed. In particular, we argue that reimagining human relations with other species is non negotiable as we grapple with what a ‘new normal’ might look like in this context of constant upheaval. This chapter explores the concept of ‘the new normal’, arguing that Multispecies Sociology holds immense promise to inform a ‘new normal’ that allows humans to live less badly with other animals and the environment, and outlines the structure of the manuscript. The chapters in this book hold a mirror to our multispecies entanglements showing us what is, what must be unlearned, and where there are opportunities for change.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHuman–animal relationships in times of pandemic and climate crises
Subtitle of host publicationMultispecies sociology for the new normal
EditorsJosephine Browne, Zoei Sutton
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor & Francis
Pages1-10
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781003257912
ISBN (Print)9781032180397, 9781032191485
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameMultispecies Encounters

Keywords

  • Animal Companionship
  • Covid 19
  • Lockdown

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