Ryan Gunderson
Papers
1
Total Citations
72
H-Index
1
About
Ryan Gunderson is a leading environmental sociologist whose work critically examines the intersections of social theory, animal studies, and ecological crises. His research is distinguished by a bold extension of classical sociological concepts—most notably, applying Marx’s theory of alienation to non-human animals in industrial agriculture. In his highly cited 2012 paper, "Extending Social Theory to Farm Animals: Addressing Alienation in the Dairy Sector" (72 citations), Gunderson demonstrates how dairy cows are alienated from their species-being, labor, and natural behaviors within capitalist production systems. This innovative synthesis of social theory and animal welfare has opened new pathways for understanding the sociological dimensions of factory farming. Beyond this foundational contribution, Gunderson’s broader work addresses environmental sociology, climate change, and the political economy of sustainability, often challenging dominant techno-optimistic solutions. His scholarship is notable for its theoretical rigor and its willingness to bridge critical theory with pressing real-world problems. With a growing body of work that continues to shape debates in environmental justice and animal studies, Gunderson stands out as a scholar who pushes sociology to confront the full ecological and ethical implications of modern production systems.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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