The argument of whether recreational hunting is justified in the modern era is a controversial issue, with pros and cons being espoused by both sides of the argument. Through applying a sociological theory that looks to analyse the interaction and relationship between the environment and the people who inhabit it, it will be argued that the position one takes on hunting is a reflection of their ecological habitus on the macro-level and the desire to satisfy emotional needs on the individual level. By first outlining the historical context of hunting within in New Zealand, as well as defining the basic concepts of ecological habitus, it will be demonstrated that hunting attitudes are influenced by identification with a national ‘kiwi’ identity, one’s environmental location and type of capital possessed. Furthermore, it will be shown that those who choose to hunt can be categorised into three general groups, with all displaying similar underlying themes. In applying the theoretical ideas of ecological habitus and feminist psychoanalytical theory, a more complex understanding is gained on the various external and internal influences that direct people’s behaviours and belief systems around hunting. Relational processes between people and their environments, alongside repressed emotional states, are also shown to play an integral part in the decision to hunt.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Context of Hunting in New Zealand
3. Ecological Habitus and Bourdieu’s Principles
4. Influences on Attitudes Towards Hunting
5. Supplementing Ecological Habitus with Kheel’s Theory
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the justification of recreational hunting in modern New Zealand by applying sociological theories to analyze the complex relationship between the environment and the individuals who inhabit it. The research explores how historical shifts, social identity, and individual psychological needs shape the attitudes and behaviors of hunters.
- The role of ecological habitus in environmental decision-making.
- Historical transformation of hunting from a necessity to a recreational pursuit.
- Influence of national identity and field placement on hunting attitudes.
- Application of feminist psychoanalytical theory to understand the desire to hunt.
- Intersection of class, capital, and environmental behavior.
Excerpt from the Book
The theoretical underpinnings of ecological habitus
The theoretical underpinnings of ecological habitus are formed on Bourdieu’s principles of habitus, field, and capital, which look to explain identity formation in people (Power, 1999). Habitus is described as the subconscious process, originating throughout the early years of life, whereby individuals acquire identity, character, and personality. The key influence in establishing a habitus is the existing social system that an individual is born into. Fields are used to reflect the multidimensional spaces that individuals occupy within a society, including the various power relations in that society (Harker et al, 1990, pp. 1-8). The position of an individual in a field will affect their outlook on life, certain behaviours and actions. For instance, the way in which two different groups, such as farmers and hunters, interact with each other, is relative to the fields that they inhabit. The position one takes in a field plays a large part in determining their outlook on their surroundings.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the controversial nature of recreational hunting and introduces the sociological framework used to analyze the subject.
2. Historical Context of Hunting in New Zealand: The chapter details the shift from subsistence hunting to recreational hunting following colonization and the labeling of certain species as pests.
3. Ecological Habitus and Bourdieu’s Principles: This section explains the theoretical base of the study, defining habitus, field, and capital as tools for understanding individual identity and behavior.
4. Influences on Attitudes Towards Hunting: This chapter examines how factors such as national identity, urban vs. rural settings, and different forms of capital influence hunting practices.
5. Supplementing Ecological Habitus with Kheel’s Theory: This part introduces Marti Kheel's psychoanalytical approach to address individual psychological drives, specifically the desire for masculine identity.
6. Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the key findings and highlights how the combination of sociological and psychoanalytical theories provides a holistic view of human-environment interactions.
Keywords
Recreational Hunting, Ecological Habitus, New Zealand, Bourdieu, Feminist Psychoanalytical Theory, Environmental Attitudes, National Identity, Capital, Socioecological, Field Placement, Pest Control, Masculine Identity, Environmentalism, Wildlife, Conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the sociological and psychological factors behind recreational hunting in New Zealand, questioning its justification in the modern era.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the evolution of hunting from necessity to recreation, the role of national identity, class-based capital, and individual emotional or psychological motivations.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to analyze human-environment interactions by applying the concept of ecological habitus and feminist psychoanalytical theory to explain why people hunt.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative, theoretical framework based on the sociological concepts of Pierre Bourdieu and the ecofeminist critiques of Marti Kheel.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The text provides a historical background, a detailed analysis of theoretical frameworks, and a discussion on how identity and environment influence the choice to hunt.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Keywords include Ecological Habitus, Recreational Hunting, New Zealand, Bourdieu, and Feminist Psychoanalytical Theory.
How did the perception of hunting change in New Zealand historically?
Hunting shifted from a essential subsistence activity for early settlers to a recreational and environmental practice, particularly after animals like deer were redefined as pests.
How does Kheel categorize hunters?
Kheel categorizes hunters into three broad groups: "the happy hunter" (seeking psychological rush), "the holist hunter" (claiming environmental necessity), and "the holy hunter" (viewing it as a spiritual act).
What role does the 'kiwi' identity play in this context?
The 'kiwi' national identity is often associated with an environmentally friendly image, which influences the categorization of native and foreign species and consequently, attitudes toward hunting.
- Citation du texte
- Lee Hooper (Auteur), 2011, Rethinking Recreational Hunting in New Zealand, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233135
