Evolving Practices: Hunting, Wildlife Consumption, and Gender Dynamics in China’s Cultural Landscape

The paper addresses the link between hunting, consumption of wildlife, and gender dynamics in China, exploring the cultural and social implications of these age-old practices. Through an analysis of four different studies, the multiple aspects of this complex topic are examined. The first study highlights the gender dimensions in the illegal trade of wildlife, emphasizing the importance of considering these aspects in regulation. It underscores the impact of cross-border trade between China and Vietnam on Vietnamese wildlife, with increasing demand from China both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, it highlights how gender plays a role in the enforcement and perpetuation of the wildlife trade and discusses gender considerations in campaigns aimed at reducing wildlife consumption. Another study emphasizes the public health risk associated with wildlife consumption in food tourism, while a third delves into the motivations and changes in the consumption of wild meat in China. Finally, the last study explored the effect of social changes and government policies on the consumption of wild species in Hainan, particularly focusing on the Chinese pangolin and Hainan peacock pheasant. Overall, these texts highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches and the consideration of historical, cultural, gender, and health factors to more comprehensively and sustainably address the link between hunting, wildlife consumption, and human societies in China. Taking a gender perspective provides a fundamental insight into gaining a more comprehensive understanding of interconnected themes of hunting, wildlife consumption, and their implications. It allows for the discovery of hidden layers of meaning, challenging conventional assumptions, and promoting a holistic approach that embraces the complexities of interactions between humans and the environment.