PEOPLE-ANIMAL RELATIONS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study explores various aspects of the relationship between people and animals. The first part examines the relationship between pets and their owners. I explore the reasons and motivation for pet-keeping, the motives behind the choice of pets and the underlying dominance relationship between pets and their owners. At the same time, I look into why certain animals are popular pets, while other animals are not. For the second part of my study, I survey the relationship between people and animals as a whole. A paradox exists in people's varied treatment of animals. Some animals are attributed supernatural qualities, while others are treated like inanimate commodities. Such a differentiation is only possible through people's imposition of a classificatory system upon the animal world. Ultimately, the theme of dominance permeates this examination of people-animal relations.