Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department
Sociology, Social Work & Anthropology Department
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Animal caretakers fill an important role in society - performing both hard and dirty work as they look after animals, and the overwhelming majority of nonfarm animal caretakers are women. This ethnographic study was conducted over the course of 11 weeks at an animal boarding facility. It finds that caring for animals is emotionally taxing labor, and that employees feel this type of work is particularly suited for women - though the exact reasons why vary. The animals themselves often serve as social facilitators between both staff and customers as employees navigate the stressful environment.
Location
Room 154
Start Date
4-10-2019 12:00 PM
End Date
4-10-2019 1:15 PM
Included in
Emotional Labor, Gender, and Social Interaction in Animal Care
Room 154
Animal caretakers fill an important role in society - performing both hard and dirty work as they look after animals, and the overwhelming majority of nonfarm animal caretakers are women. This ethnographic study was conducted over the course of 11 weeks at an animal boarding facility. It finds that caring for animals is emotionally taxing labor, and that employees feel this type of work is particularly suited for women - though the exact reasons why vary. The animals themselves often serve as social facilitators between both staff and customers as employees navigate the stressful environment.