Concepts and Theoretical Underpinning

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines certain concepts that form the theoretical foundation of this book. Its central ethic of animal rights is contrasted with the utilitarian one of animal welfare. Critical animal studies are shown to have neglected film, whereas there is a dearth of animal rights discussion in media, especially film, studies. However, the establishment of a combination of the two, critical animal and media studies, is an attempt to overcome this shortcoming. Close attention is paid to ecofeminism, which is linked in many ways to animal rights, both being especially concerned with the liberation from oppression. Finally, post-anthropomorphism is explained in the way it embraces the concept of animal rights, especially as related to film.