Animal media studies (AMS) is a subdiscipline within media studies, which focuses not only on the inclusion and representation of animals in media content but also on activism related to improving understanding of and quality of life for real animals. This social justice–grounded approach has roots in intersectional perspectives such as feminist, critical race, environmental, and animal studies. This entry describes the origins of this area of scholarship and activism and includes examples of methods and applications.

Origins and Influences

AMS grew from the fertile soil of other social justice movements such as feminist, race disabilities, and media studies. This critical/cultural approach interrogates sources of power, reveals how power is maintained, identifies who benefits and who does not from particular representations, and posits the implications for animals’ ...

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