VIDEO CLIP and LEARNING CONTEXT Erin N. Kidder
The video, “Values: The Foundation of Farming –
Responsibility to Care for Our Animals” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI5JHMLk3O8),
is useful when discussing the broader topic of animals and society, especially
as the discussion is broken down into some core sociological concepts, such as
socialization and social capital. In the clip, four individuals – two brothers
and their spouses – are interviewed. The are owners of a dairy farm in
Wisconsin which has been a thriving family business for decades, and even as
they have expanded their business, they have managed to make animal comfort and
well-being priority number one. In a world where monetary gain often comes at
the cost of the well being of others, this family understands the importance of
taking care of those who are ultimately taking care of them, and in turn,
others. In other words, they have an understanding of the symbiotic nature of
our world.
From a sociological perspective, this video can be employed
to help compare differences in the way animals are treated and cared for from
one dairy farm to another. Many factory farms are not created for animal
comfort; rather they are created to maximize dairy production for profit with
little regard for the welfare of the animal and indeed, little concern for the
consumers. This begs the question, what is it about the humans who operate the
dairy farm in the video that creates a different vision of how to operate their
business?
Of course this is just one topic within the realm of animal
welfare; however, it is an excellent example of socialization and social
capital. The interviewees discussed their upbringing and their education as
integral factors in their desire to work with the animals on the farm in a
harmonious way. They also discuss their collaboration with the University of
Wisconsin in creating comfortable and humane quarters for the animals. Most
importantly, the interviewees discuss the importance of taking care of the
animals – making them comfortable and keeping them healthy – because in turn,
those animals will produce quality product which ultimately takes care of
others. The dairy farm owner’s livelihood is dependent on the animals and the
animals are dependent on the farm owner’s for their own well-being.
The farmers’ socialization (i.e. process of developing
social norms) to become conscientious and compassionate stewards of their
industry was part of their upbringing. Through collaboration with others (i.e.
the University of Wisconsin), they have developed tremendous social capital
(networks) in an effort to expand their values.
A lesson plan to discuss the sociological concepts of
socialization and social capital may include the following questions:
1.
Why is it important for animals and humans to
live more harmoniously?
2.
What lessons can help in one’s upbringing (at
home and in school) which may help develop a more humane approach to our every
day existence, whether that be in our personal or professional lives?
3.
If humans have control over the ability to
maintain a sustainable existence (i.e., where our world can endure and remain
productive), how can the socialization process help?
4.
In the video clip, the farmers discussed their
efforts to create a comfortable space for the animals, as a means of producing
a higher quality product. Is this something that your own socialization has
prepared you to contemplate?
