Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Geography & Environmental Studies
Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts
First Advisor
Jean Kay Guelke
Advisor Role
Thesis Co-Supervisor
Second Advisor
Barbara Carmichael
Advisor Role
Thesis Co-Supervisor
Abstract
This thesis addresses the historical and cultural development of the recreational birdwatching in southern Ontario, 1791-1886, and the efforts of empire and gender on birdwatchers’ identities and ideas about birds. By deconstructing recreational ornithological discourse, I suggest that recreational birdwatching reproduced the imposition of British colonial rule in Canada, together with condescension towards aboriginal peoples and non-British immigrants; and the reinforcement of British, middle-class, gendered identities in southern Ontario. This research therefore shows that recreational ornithological texts provide a medium to deconstruct the impact of birdwatching on people’s lives in their gendered approach to the activity.
Recommended Citation
Greer, Kirsten Aletta, "Recreational birdwatching, empire, and gender in southern Ontario, 1791-1886" (2001). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 432.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/432
Convocation Year
2001
Convocation Season
Fall