MAN EATING SHARK: UNRAVELLING THE DEBATE ON THE (UN)ETHICAL CONSUMPTION OF SHARK'S FIN IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis investigates the debate on shark fin consumption in Singapore. NGOs have attempted to construct shark fin as a form of unethical food, persuading consumers to be more ethical and responsible consumers by forgoing its consumption. Yet, not all consumers remain convinced, problematizing the notion that consuming shark fin is a form of unethical food consumption. Through analysing the discursive framings of the anti-shark fin movement and drawing on focus group discussions and semi in-depth interviews with consumers and non-consumers, this thesis unravels the reasons behind the impasse in the shark fin debate and examines the complexities underlying consumer choice and consumption practices surrounding shark fin. It reveals how consumption practices are a more-than-human achievement, in which consumers? choice to consume ethically is contingent on the multi-faceted associations between animals, humans and space. It proposes that understanding animals as `consumed subjects? instead of `consumed objects? when analysing consumer-consumed relationship, will provide a better understanding of consumption choices and practices. Drawing on conceptual ideas from animal and hybrid geographies, the thesis provides an alternative approach towards analysing ethical food consumption practices, by illuminating the potential strength of considering animals as key epistemic actors that are inextricable to the social and political processes of food consumption practices.