Activity 3.6- Research Paradigms: Exotic Wildfire

Currently, it has been estimated that the global wildlife trade is valued at nearly 300 million dollars annually. This has a great impact on various contexts, not only economic but also ethical and cultural. This type of trade is varied and can range from transactions made legally when purchasing a pet in a store to more clandestine and illegal deals within the black market used by people seeking to obtain an exotic or endangered animal, since for many, exhibiting or owning these types of animals is synonymous with power and wealth. In order to address and have a better understanding of this multifaceted issue, it requires an examination with a more detailed look through different research paradigms. This way, you can analyze different points of view on this type of trade.

Positivism is a paradigm that goes hand in hand with the principles of quantification and empiricism. This offers the opportunity to provide a more systematic research framework due to its objective measurement and observation. Research should be carried out by people who know how to prioritize the collection of empirical data on the volume and value of commercial transactions that have been carried out, as well as the profiles of buyers and sellers, their geographic location, and demographics. In this way, databases can be structured to reflect patterns and correlations to show the underlying holdings and influences that drive trade. In this case, for example, quantitative studies can reflect the results of which species are in greater demand by buyers, the regions, and their socioeconomic factors that have a great influence on consumer preferences, among other things. Thanks to this empirical research, it is possible to formulate and manage policies based on solid evidence aimed at regulation and mitigation to reduce adverse impacts on biodiversity.

The exotic wildlife trade arises thanks to competing interests, social inequalities, and power differences. This is where the lens of conflict theory comes into play. This paradigm focuses on the role of structural injustices in marginalized communities that are highly dependent on wildlife for subsistence and systematic oppression in perpetuating the trade. Researchers within the trade theory perspective have to examine the power dynamics and distributed conflicts inherent to trade and its interests. That is to say, in this case, researchers can observe how the disparities that lead to access to resources and also the ability to participate in commerce drive people to do so as a way to be able to solve themselves in the socioeconomic part; however, they do not consider the consequences, causing environmental degradation and the loss of biodiversity on the planet to worsen. There are also other related topics to investigate, such as environmental racism, the marginalization of indigenous peoples, the commodification of wildlife, local communities, equity, and social justice, to be able to challenge all these power structures and be able to fight for a transformation that prioritizes well-being and rights.

Next is the ecofeminist analysis of the exotic wildlife trade. As I read, I was able to analyze that this paradigm provides a more detailed perspective on the interconnected oppressions of animals, nature, and the female sex, as well as gender exploitation and environmental conservation. That is, patriarchal ideologies, along with systems of domination, deprived not only have historically marginalized and deprived nature but also women due to hierarchies of power and control. A person who puts on the ecofeminist lens will have the opportunity to notice how gender roles and "social norms" intersect with issues of attitudes toward wildlife and environmental practices. Investigate the role that women have in activities such as hunting or their search for resources to be able to survive within communities. They are exposed to hazards, resulting in their vulnerability to environmental hazards associated with wildlife exploitation. An analysis within the ecofeminist paradigm can demonstrate the symbolic associations between femininity, animals, and nature. It is necessary to advocate for a more holistic approach so that patriarchal norms can be challenged and, like the paradigm of conflict theory, can promote a wave of ecological and gender justice and foster more equitable and sustainable relationships between the human race and the natural world.

In the end, investigating the global trade in exotic wildlife using various research paradigms reveals an intricate structure of social, economic, and ecological factors that shape this complicated issue. From the positivist emphasis on empirical evidence and quantitative analysis to the critical lenses of conflict theory and ecofeminism, each paradigm offers important perspectives into the trade's underlying dynamics and their implications for biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, and social justice. Researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the trade's complexities and develop more effective regulatory and management strategies by integrating multiple perspectives and approaches. Finally, addressing the challenges of the exotic wildlife trade requires interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical engagement with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to fostering equitable and sustainable relationships.

References

Gaard, G. (Ed.). (1993). Ecofeminism: Women, animals, nature. Temple University Press. https://we.riseup.net/assets/187554/GAARD,+Greta+(ed.).+Ecofeminism.pdfLinks to an external site.

Lumen Learning. (n.d.a.). Feminist theory. Sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/alamo-sociology/chapter/reading-feminist-theory/Links to an external site.

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Lumen Learning. (n.d.c.). Symbolic interactionist theory. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/alamo-sociology/chapter/reading-symbolic-interactionist-theory/Links to an external site.

Lumen Learning. (n.d.d). Theoretical perspectives. An introduction to sociology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/theoretical-perspectives/Links to an external site.