An exploration of hunting in modern society : can hunting transcend alienation?

Abstract: This study explores whether hunting can transcend alienation between modern society and nature in Sweden. Modernity is discussed from a Marxist perspective as being the cause of people’s alienation from nature and natural sources of production. Exploring hunting’s potential to reconnect people with nature is done through studying empirical material and interviewing Swedish hunters. The research argues that hunting educates people about their natural surroundings and provides them with an active role in natural environments through managing and harvesting wildlife. Hunters can learn to appreciate wildlife and ecosystems, bridging the alienation gap by reconnecting people with natural sources of production and facilitating the perspective that people do not exist as separate from nature. The effects of modernity on hunting are also discussed to reflect the paradox of hunting as an ancient activity in modernized world.