¿QUÉ ES UNA MASCOTA? OBJETOS Y MIEMBROS DE LA FAMILIA
Abstract
En la mayor parte de los países occidentales el número de hogares que cuentan con mascotas, principalmente perros y gatos, ha crecido firmemente en las últimas décadas. No obstante, la utilización del término mascota ha recibido diversos cuestionamientos en tanto no respetaría la integridad del animal. En su lugar muchos autores han optado por la utilización de la expresión animal de compañía, la cual connotaría una relación más igualitaria. Sin embargo, esta expresión también ha recibido cuestionamientos y no necesariamente resulta intercambiable con el término mascota. Mascota versus animal de compañía parece reflejar la manera dual en la que estos animales son considerados y tratados. Se exponen desarrollos sobre el origen de la tenencia de mascotas y su evolución histórica, y se discuten a partir de los más recientes cambios culturales. Finalmente, como conclusión, se destaca el potencial de estos animales para confrontar a las personas respecto de su posicionamiento antropocéntrico dentro del mundo, fomentando un acercamiento más igualitario hacia los animales y el mundo natural.
In most parts of the western countries the number households that have pets, mainly cats and dogs, has steadily increased during the last decades. However, the usage of the word pet has been questioned, as it would not respect the animal's integrity; many authors have chosen to use the expression companion animal instead, which imply a more egalitarian relationship. Nonetheless, this expression has also come into question and is not necessarily interchangeable with the term pet. "Pet vs companion animal" seems to reflect the dual way in which these animals are considered and treated. Investigations about the origin of pet keeping and its historical evolution are set out and discussed according to the most recent cultural changes. Finally, as a conclusion, these animals' potential to confront people regarding their anthropocentric positioning in the world is highlighted, as well as a more egalitarian treatment towards animals and the natural world is encouraged.
In most parts of the western countries the number households that have pets, mainly cats and dogs, has steadily increased during the last decades. However, the usage of the word pet has been questioned, as it would not respect the animal's integrity; many authors have chosen to use the expression companion animal instead, which imply a more egalitarian relationship. Nonetheless, this expression has also come into question and is not necessarily interchangeable with the term pet. "Pet vs companion animal" seems to reflect the dual way in which these animals are considered and treated. Investigations about the origin of pet keeping and its historical evolution are set out and discussed according to the most recent cultural changes. Finally, as a conclusion, these animals' potential to confront people regarding their anthropocentric positioning in the world is highlighted, as well as a more egalitarian treatment towards animals and the natural world is encouraged.
Description
Vol. 15, No. 1