Young, Kevin M.Gerber, Brittany2017-12-182017-12-182012http://hdl.handle.net/1880/105910Bibliography: p. 189-204Includes copy of ethics approval. Original copy with original Partial Copyright Licence.In a society where questions regarding animal rights are on the rise, people are increasingly aware of the oppressive use of animals. A 'contested' view of animals has recently become the subject of sociological inquiry. Addressing the 'problematic' role of horses in modem society, this study seeks to develop an in-depth understanding of how questions of 'use' or 'abuse' have been woven into the Calgary Stampede, as illustrated by the vast Canadian media coverage annually. Specifically, this project utilized a systematic content analysis of three Canadian newspapers, combined with individual interviews with key individuals involved in the horse-use debate. Using a figurational approach, this study explores how this debate is historically situated, and how broader societal trends regarding the treatment of animals have impacted the acceptance of chuckwagon racing and rodeo as 'sports', and how various rule changes have been implemented to legitimize these events in contemporary Canadian society.vii, 220 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/4909