Sociology on Poaching
Crimes are defined as a unlawful act that can be punishable by a state or authority. Crimes are an act that harms: individuals, communities and societies. Overall, crimes are seen to only hurt humans, yet they can also be directed towards wild animals. Wild animals have been given a stereotypical label that they only want to hunt for fun and as society develops, there is little education on the importance of wildlife species.
Poaching has been seen as a human right to obtain what is necessary for a humans survival. Yet, the public tends to forget that these actions are crimes against the animals. Poaching has been around since the neolithic times. It has been recent that many sociologist and criminologist have begun to look at poaching.
The continent of Africa has the highest rates of poaching. Especially in the country of Zimbabwe. While hunting has been an old tradition, it has been debated in modern times if there is anymore use to poach. Many of the game laws in the US are rooted back to Europe. Any hunting activities were heavily discriminated by class and were not allowed to posses any weapons. When looking into the society that existed back then. The people lived in more Mechanical Solidarity rather than an Organic Solidarity.
Mechanical Solidarity- (Homogeneity) social integration that arises out of the members of a society. These members have similar beliefs, values and activities. Less of a labor division and interdependence.
Organic Solidarity- Social integration that arises out of interdependence of members in the society. Various types of individuals. Complex division of labor and more interdependence.
Laws are a reflection of what the people agree on. Many of the game laws are a reflection of what people back then thought was morally correct. With the development of civilizations: between rural, urban and suburban communities. There are more complex ideas contradicting the banishing of poaching. Speaking from a position for wildlife conservation, poaching is one of the leading causes of extinction. Several countries in Africa have adopted poaching laws and increased penalties. Their punishments range from fining to death sentences. The US is is quite peculiar for many of its game laws originated in Europe and hunting is quiet of a tradition. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s, part of the Department of Interior. Has set a list called the Endangered list. Excluding certain animals from being hunting. These animals are protected and observed until they have reach a healthy population. However, plans have not always been fulfilled. The issue with the laws in the US have been argued by people who come from different communities. The black bear is an endangered animal on the Endangered list, but has not been fully protected. 34 states out of 50 have stated it is illegal to hunt black bears. However, 16 out of 50 states have yet to rule out the same law. Overall the US has done poorly to protect and restore populations of endangered animals.
When I wrote about how laws are a reflection of the people. It is interesting, yet concerning for wildlife conservationist to see a first world country behind a third world country. Sociologist and criminologist will examine game laws and the way if thinking of society. Biologist, environmentalist and conservationist will look at the animals being poached or hunted and observe how they are affected. All of these fields are crucial to setting boundaries and systems that will end unethical actions against endangered wildlife and wildlife in general.
The act of poaching can be overlooked as it is not being presented in mainstream media. It causes animals to deplete, thus disturbing the food chain. That disturbance can lead to the adapting of new animals and or species that is beyond the control of humans.
