"Providing in-depth analyses of the paradoxical ways in which we love and
routinely exploit nonhuman animals, the insightful essays in Why We Love and
Exploit Animals illuminate the critical importance of reshaping our
relations with other animals to create a more compassionate society for both
them and for us, a win-win for all."
– Marc Bekoff, Ph.D, co-author of The Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion,
and Coexistence in the Human Age and Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to
Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, and Professor Emeritus
of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, USA
"In this groundbreaking book, leading writers and animal advocates explore
what editors Kristof Dhont and Gordon Hodson rightly describe as 'one of the
most pressing contradictions in human behavior': our dual capacity to love
and harm animals. If we hope to halt climate change, advance social justice,
and build a healthy future, this book is essential reading."
– Scott Plous, Professor of Psychology and Executive Director of the Social
Psychology Network, Wesleyan University, USA
"Why We Love and Exploit Animals is essential reading for anyone wishing to
improve their understanding of this vitally important yet little-understood
phenomenon — and to make choices that help create a better world for all
beings."
– Melanie Joy, PhD, author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An
Introduction to Carnism and Powerarchy: Understanding the Psychology of
Oppression for Social Transformation
"This volume offers new and unique interdisciplinary perspectives on an
issue, humans’ relationships with other animals, that is of significant
everyday importance. The editors, both of whom are distinguished scholars in
psychology, have brought leading international researchers and advocates
together in enlightening and constructive conversation. The chapters in this
skillfully edited volume are of consistently high quality. Individually and
collectively, the authors balance research and practice, complexity of
issues with clarity of presentation, and different and often competing
perspectives to address provocative questions about the many facets of
humans’ relations with animals. This book is of great value to researchers,
who will be stimulated by the novel issues it raises (e.g., about altruism,
empathy, and identity), and advocates, who will gain new insights into how
people think about and treat animals. The chapters in this volume will
stimulate new inquiry and informed discussion about a topic of great
importance and interest today and in the future."
– John F. Dovidio, Carl Iver Hovland Professor of Psychology and Public
Health, Yale University, US
"Dhont and Hodson assemble an impressive list of leading researchers
studying how we think, feel, and behave toward animals. This book is a
must-read for anyone who wants to understand our paradoxical relationship
with animals. Dhont and Hodson offer a compelling case for thinking
seriously about how we both love and exploit animals—and how this paradox
plays out both for individuals, but also for society as a whole."
- Chris G. Sibley, Professor of Psychology, University of Auckland,
Australia
"The protection of animals has taken a front seat in the minds of the
general public like never before. This book is for the seasoned animal
activist, the academic, and anyone who has ever questioned the place of
animals in society. Eminently readable, the authors help us to distil the
changing landscape for animals, and our place within it. They take us on a
journey of answering the hard questions we have all wondered about. A
‘must-have’ in your library."
– Krista Hiddema, President of Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, home of
Esther the Wonder Pig, and Executive Director of For the Greater Good,
www.Kristahiddema.com
"Comprehensive, provocative, and exciting, this book provides timely insight
into how we reconcile animal as man’s best friend and dinner. Dhont and
Hodson have gathered together world leaders in animal advocacy, and the
science of understanding animal exploitation; together, they present
research, case studies, and stories that explain how we can revere, use, and
abuse our fellow creatures. Finally, this ground-breaking book augurs change
towards a kinder, greener, planet for both human and animal."
– Fiona Kate Barlow, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the
Centre for Research in Social Psychology, University of Queensland,
Australia
"Making legal progress for animals is impossible without grappling with the
psychological and social mechanisms that allow people to simultaneously
adore animals, while exploiting and harming them for food, fashion,
experiments, and entertainment. Some of the insights in this stunning new
book will delight you, some will discourage you, but they will all make you
a better, smarter, and more evidence-driven animal advocate."
– Camille Labchuck, Executive Director of Animal Justice
"Advocacy for nonhuman animals has long been separated from animal-related
academic research, to the detriment of both fields. Why We Love and Exploit
Animals bridges that separation and provides unique insights framed by
social science and informed by leading advocates and thinkers. It's an
important book for anyone interested in animal protection!"
– Che Green, Founder and Executive Director of Faunalytics
"Dhont and Hodson’s book is a very rich collection of chapters from the
major scholars in the field. This book is very thought provoking and a must
read for everyone, vegetarians and non-vegetarians, interested in
human-animal relations and animal advocacy!"
– Julia Becker, Professor of Social Psychology, University of Osnabrück,
Germany
Kristof Dhont, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of
Kent, UK, and Director of SHARKLab, studying human intergroup and
human-animal relations. He investigates the psychological factors
underpinning speciesism, racism, and sexism and serves as Associate Editor
(Group Processes & Intergroup Relations) and Consulting Editor (European
Journal of Personality).
Gordon Hodson, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at Brock University,
Canada. His research interests include prejudice, dehumanization and
speciesism, ideology, and intergroup contact. He is an Editor-in-Chief
(European Review of Social Psychology) and Associate Editor (Group Processes
& Intergroup Relations). He is a Fellow of the Association for Psychological
Science.
Return to Book, CD and Video Review Guide