90. Animals, Capital and Cities

Dallas talks with A/Prof Dinesh Wadiwel about his new book on the industrial production of animals for food, and where cities fit into this process. This book provides the first systematic application of Marx’s value theory to animal labour within the context of capitalist food systems. Dinesh applies Marx’s value theory which builds on and adapts recent work in animal studies, posthumanities, critical race theory and feminist theory to provide new insights into human-animal relations under capitalism. He explores animals as labour, and the implications for the interaction of human and animal labour forces. The book presents animal-sourced food as a means of subsistence and social reproduction for human populations, and it elaborates on animal resistance and its role within capitalist production. Building on Karl Marx’s value theory, Dinesh argues that factory farms and industrial fisheries are not merely an example of unchecked human supremacism. Nor a result of the victory of market forces. But a combination of both. In Animals and Capital Dinesh untangles this contemporary handshake between hierarchical anthropocentrism and capitalism. Dinesh is an Associate Professor in human rights and socio-legal studies, with a background in social and political theory. He is an expert in human animal studies, and disability rights. He has a background working within civil society organisations, including in anti-poverty and disability rights roles. This interview is a part of the 2023 Festival of Urbanism Book Club Podcast series