The question of whether sociologists should investigate the subjective experience of non-human others arises regularly in discussions of research on animals. Recent criticism of this research agenda as speculative and therefore unproductive is examined and found wanting. Ample evidence indicates that animals have the capacity to see themselves as objects, which meets sociological criteria for selfhood. Resistance to this possibility highlights the discipline’s entrenched anthropocentrism rather than lack of evidence. Sociological study of the moral status of animals, based on the presence of the self, is warranted because our treatment of animals is connected with numerous “mainstream” sociological issues. As knowledge has brought other forms of oppression to light, it has also helped to challenge and transform oppressive conditions. Consequently, sociologists have an obligation to challenge speciesism as part of a larger system of oppression.
Irvine, Leslie (2007) “The question of animal selves: Implications for sociological knowledge and practice.” Qualitative Sociology Review, Vol. III Issue 1. Retrieved Month, Year (http://www.qualitativesociologyreview.org /ENG/archive_eng.php)
Swali la kama wanasosholojia wanapaswa kuchunguza uzoefu wa kibinafsi wa wengine wasio wanadamu hutokea mara kwa mara katika majadiliano ya utafiti juu ya wanyama. Ukosoaji wa hivi karibuni wa ajenda hii ya utafiti kama uvumi na kwa hiyo unproductive ni kuchunguzwa na kupatikana kukosa. Uthibitisho mwingi unaonyesha kwamba wanyama wana uwezo wa kujiona kuwa vitu, ambavyo vinakidhi vigezo vya kijamii vya ubinafsi. Upinzani dhidi ya uwezekano huu unaangazia anthropocentrism ya taaluma hiyo badala ya ukosefu wa ushahidi. Utafiti wa kijamii wa hali ya maadili ya wanyama, kulingana na uwepo wa nafsi, unahakikishwa kwa sababu matibabu yetu ya wanyama yanaunganishwa na masuala mengi ya kijamii ya "mainstream". Kama vile maarifa yalivyoleta aina nyingine za ukandamizaji, pia yamesaidia kupinga na kubadilisha hali za ukandamizaji. Kwa hiyo, wanasosholojia wana wajibu wa kupinga ubaguzi wa jamii kama sehemu ya mfumo mkubwa wa ukandamizaji. Irvine, Leslie (2007) <unk>Swali la wanyama binafsi: Madhara kwa maarifa ya kijamii na mazoezi.<unk> Qualitative Sociology Review, Vol. III Toleo la 1. Mwezi wa kupokelewa: (http: www.qualitativesociologyreview.org)