Analysis Of The Yulin Dog Meat Festival

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As a sociologist, the Yulin Dog Meat Festival can be analysed in a variety of ways. In this discussion, 3 main sociological theories can be used for analysis. The feminist perspective is less applicable in this issue as it deals with questions of what’s humane, in relation to the treatment of animals, rather than oppression and discrimination of women.
From a functionalist perspective, it can be said that the festival is part of the local culture. Through culture, it can help to promote a sense of belonging among the citizens which helps to build social solidarity . We can also say that it serves as a distraction for the locals from other more pressing aspects of life that needs government intervention, such as the city’s low hourly minimum …show more content…

As highlighted in the article, the main conflict with respect to the event is mainly between the locals who defend the event and various NGOs such as the Humane Society International (HSI) and animal lovers, who are lobbying against the cruel treatment of the animals in the festival. Another dimension to consider could also be the conflict between the locals and the government. This will be a valid area of consideration especially if the Chinese government, pressured by NGOs and the international community, decide to take action and bans the festival, which may not sit well with the locals.
For symbolic interactionism, we should investigate the meaning behind the event. The festival is held to celebrate the day of Summer Solstice (Li 2013). The consumption of dog meat is believed to help increase body heat to help cope with the cold of the winter (Martin 2015). However, there are claims that consumption are driven more by superstition (Linshi 2014) such as dispelling evil ghosts, diseases and even curing impotence in men (Li …show more content…

This is because culture plays a big role in influencing the actions of an individual and society. One’s identity is closely linked to one’s culture. This is probably the reason why Yulin citizens are defending the festival. It is something that they grew up with. This is a result of enculturation . Growing up, a child is surrounded by different agents of socialisation such as their families which promotes and teaches them that the Yulin festival is a normal part of their local culture. As a result, he will grow up accepting the practices of the festival as a norm.
Assuming that the Chinese government does decide to take measures, it can be said that this is an attempt to change the culture. This is definitely possible as culture is not static. A society’s culture is vulnerable to changes from both internal and external forces. Of course, this will be met by resistance from the locals as this can be seen as stripping away their identity. Despite this, governments are in unique positions of power to put in place deterrence measures and sanctions to achieve the desired

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