Sexism is apparently bad for dogs.
Academics Paul McGreevy, from the University of Sydney, and the University of Wollongong’s Fiona Probyn-Rapsey have blamed gender stereotypes for harming the mental health of pooches.
‘While we know how damaging stereotypes can be for humans, dog owners may not consider just how their conceptual baggage of gender stereotypes affects the animals they live with,’ they said in an article published on The Conversation.
University of Wollongong’s Fiona Probyn-Rapsey doggedly determined to address pet sexism
University of Sydney professor of animal behaviour Paul McGreevy says sexism dogs our pets
Owners are being advised to consider if they are imposing gender stereotypes on their dogs
Dr McGreevy, a professor of animal behaviour, and Professor Probyn-Rapsey, a humanities academic, said many dog owners were forcing their ‘own gender identities’ on to their pets.
‘The lives of dogs depend upon how they conform to gender expectations,’ they said.
They argued dog owners needed to reflect ‘critically on gender stereotypes’ to avoid canines being treated badly or being placed into an animal shelter.
Former Labor leader Mark Latham said it was ridiculous to impose on canines radical gender theories and the idea of a male patriarchy.
The academics say gender expectations are causing psychological harm to pet dogs
‘They produced this incredible article extending all the radical gender theory that we’ve got in the human world to the world of the canine,’ he said in a video for Rebel Media.
‘Yes, the poor, harmless little dog has now got to be subjected to leftist gender theory.
‘Whoever thinks of dogs in terms of gender?
‘You’re out there walking your dog, you’re out there playing chase the stick, chase the ball, you’ve got to reflect on the gender stereotype of the dog. Seriously?’
Ex-Labor leader Mark Latham says imposing radical gender theories on dogs is barking mad
The university professors also criticised the use of the word ‘b****’ to describe a female dog
The academics criticised the use of the word b**** to describe a female dog, considering it is also a derogatory term for a woman.
‘None of these animal metaphors have much to do with the animals themselves but more to do with how we use categories of animals to categorise humans,’ they said.
‘So unpacking and challenging gender stereotypes might just also improve the lives of animals too.’
They added that dogs reacted differently to men and women, arguing a dog’s gender was an important factor in owner compatibility.