In this nature: Culture, place, and attitudes toward marine animal

The relationship between cultural diversity and attitudes toward marine animals is examined in this dissertation on the basis of an understanding of culture as a place-based process, and a focus of the local level where attitudes are socio-culturally mediated (between individual and global levels). This research employed more qualitative approaches than standard attitudes research, in order to more directly obtain explanation for attitudes. Such explanation was premised on recent research in animal geography, that highlights the role of identity formation and disenfranchisement in defining how animals are considered. In a first part, focus groups with inner city low income women of different ethnicities (African American, Latina, Chicana, Chinese, Filipina) were organized in Los Angeles, to identify the spectrum of attitudes toward marine animals, and dimensions of urban diversity (such as culture, class, socio-demographics and ethico-political stances). In the second part, interviews were conducted with managers of local marine animal oriented organizations to clarify how they are positioned vis-a-vis cultural factors and difference. Analysis showed that culture plays an important role in the formation of attitudes toward marine animals. Specific processes of identity formation emerged, related to oppression and to privilege, and were expressed in cultural contests. Science was key in this struggle for dominance, as was cultural relativism, and these processes were highly dependent on place. This research exemplifies how more explanatory understandings of attitudes can be provided, demonstrates the importance of considering culture in the process of attitude formation, and helps to explain the persistence of non mainstream practices and attitudes. Some of the novel aspects of this work also include a focus on the attitudes of inner city ethnically diverse women and of managers of a range of MAOOs, and an emphasis on marine animals. The research was also carried out through approaches rarely used in attitudes toward animals research. The conceptual framework was significant in its distinct geographic emphasis on place.