Anthrozoös

Anthrozoös
Title	Anthrozoös
Abbreviation	Anthrozoös
Discipline	Human-animal studies, Anthrozoology
Language	English
Editor	Megan K. Mueller
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
Country	United Kingdom
History	1987–present
Frequency	Bimonthly
Openaccess	Hybrid
Impact	1.239
Impact-year	2022
ISSN	0892-7936
EISSN	1753-0377
Website	https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rfan20
OCLC	60624017

Anthrozoös. It is a peer-reviewed academic journal that serves as a leading international publication for scholarly research on the interactions and relationships between humans and other animals. Established in 1987, the journal publishes interdisciplinary work spanning the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. It is published by Taylor & Francis and is a key publication of the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ).

Definition and scope

The journal's scope is explicitly interdisciplinary, focusing on the field of anthrozoology and human-animal studies. It covers the multifaceted dimensions of human-animal interactions, from psychological and sociological perspectives to ethical and cultural examinations. Published research often explores themes such as the roles of companion animals in society, animals in therapy and assistance, wildlife conservation conflicts, and the representation of animals in art and media. The editorial board, which includes scholars like Aubrey H. Fine and James A. Serpell, ensures the journal maintains a broad yet rigorous scientific scope, welcoming quantitative, qualitative, and theoretical contributions.

Historical development

*Anthrozoös* was founded in 1987 by James A. Serpell, a prominent figure in the field, during a period of growing academic interest in human-animal relationships. Its establishment was closely tied to the formation of the International Society for Anthrozoology, which sought to create a dedicated forum for this emerging area of study. Early volumes featured pioneering work from researchers like Erika Friedmann on the health benefits of pet ownership and Clinton R. Sanders on sociological approaches to human-animal bonds. The journal's partnership with Taylor & Francis in the early 2000s expanded its digital reach and institutional presence, solidifying its status as a cornerstone publication.

Key research areas

Primary research areas within the journal include animal-assisted interventions, where studies might examine protocols used in programs like Pet Partners or the Green Chimneys farm. Another major area is the ethics of animal use, engaging with debates informed by philosophers such as Peter Singer and positions from organizations like PETA. Research on human perceptions and attitudes toward animals, including work on speciesism and conservation values, is also prevalent. Additionally, historical and cultural analyses, such as the depiction of animals in Victorian literature or in Native American traditions, form a significant part of its humanities-focused content.

Methodological approaches

The journal exemplifies methodological pluralism, publishing studies employing controlled experiments, epidemiological surveys, ethnographies, and discourse analysis. Quantitative work often utilizes standardized scales like the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) or measures of cortisol levels in biophilia studies. Qualitative methodologies include in-depth interviews, as seen in research on guide dog users, or participant observation in settings like animal shelters. Theoretical papers may draw from frameworks in environmental psychology, feminist theory, or posthumanism, reflecting the field's diverse intellectual roots.

Applications and implications

Research published in *Anthrozoös* has direct applications in public policy, clinical practice, and community programming. Findings on the benefits of equine-assisted therapy have informed protocols at facilities like the PATH International network. Studies on the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence have influenced training for law enforcement and social workers at agencies such as the ASPCA. In conservation, social science research on human-wildlife conflict contributes to strategies employed by WWF and national park services. The journal's work also supports the development of animal welfare standards in industries and legislation.

Criticisms and debates

As with any interdisciplinary field, the journal's content engages with ongoing scholarly debates. Some critiques, echoing discussions in journals like Society & Animals, question the anthropocentric framing of some research or the potential for confirmation bias in studies of animal-assisted therapy. Methodological debates center on the challenges of measuring complex human-animal bonds and standardizing interventions across diverse settings like hospitals or prisons. Furthermore, ethical debates featured in its pages often grapple with the moral contradictions of loving some animals while exploiting others, a tension highlighted by scholars like Hal Herzog in works such as *Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat*.

Category:Academic journals published in the United Kingdom Category:Taylor & Francis academic journals Category:Human–animal studies journals Category:Publications established in 1987