A Research Agenda for Animal Geographies

Elgar Research Agendas outline the future of research in a given area. Leading scholars are given the space to explore their subject in provocative ways, and map out the potential directions of travel. They are relevant but also visionary.
Exploring the innovative and thriving field of animal geographies, this Research Agenda analyses how humans think about, place, and engage with animals. Chapters explore how animals shape human identities and social dynamics, as well as how broader processes influence the circumstances and experiences of animals.
This Research Agenda presents recent forays into theories of power, methodological innovations unearthing animal lifeworlds, and commitments to praxis. It demonstrates opportunities for animal geographies to engage creatively with diverse movements, including industrial farm workers’ rights, intersectional feminism, the environmental movement, racial equality, and decolonization. Critical and timely, contributions from top and emerging scholars suggest that it is time to bring the animals outwards into broader geographical dialogue to address pressing contemporary issues such as climate change.
An important read for animal and human geographers, this will be a foundational text for emerging scholars interested in critical perspectives on human–environment relations and societal dynamics. Its grounding in historical evaluation, discussion of scholarly innovation in the field and the opportunities to reflect on the topic in a time of socio-ecological crisis will also be helpful for more established scholars.