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Anthrozoology

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Anthrozoology (also called human–animal studies, or HAS) is the scientific study of interaction between humans and animals. It is a modern interdisciplinary and burgeoning field that overlaps with multiple other disciplines, including ethology, anthropology, psychology, veterinary medicine and zoology. A major focus of anthrozoologic research is the quantifying of the positive effects of human-animal relationships for either party and the study of their interactions. Anthrozoology's first peer-reviewed journal, Anthrozoös, commenced publication in 1987. In 1991 the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) was founded to promote international collaboration between researchers.
Areas of research include:
  • The interaction and enhancement within captive animal interactions.
  • Affective (emotional) or relational bonds between humans and animals
  • Captive zoo animal bonds with keepers
  • Mind, Self, and Personhood in nonhuman animals
  • Human perceptions and beliefs in respect of other animals.
  • The critical evaluation of animal abuse and exploitation
  • How some animals fit into human societies.
  • How these vary between cultures, and change over time.
  • The zoological gaze
  • The religious significance of animals throughout history
  • The symbolism of animals in literature and art
  • The study of animal domestication: how and why domestic animals evolved from wild species (paleoanthrozoology).
  • The place of animals in human-occupied spaces
  • Exploring the cross-cultural ethical treatment of animals

Connection: the Pleasure of Anthrozoology