People see themselves as caretakers.

• Position: Pets

Are you a pet owner or the caretaker for your companion animals? A cultural sociologist from Indiana University, South Bend, says the Humane Society has played a significant role in helping Americans see themselves as the latter. Other animal groups contribute to this, too, but the Humane Society is the largest advocacy organization in the country, notes David Blouin, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Its influence can be seen nationwide in the policies of animal shelters and in local ordinances.

"The basic logic behind just about everything the Humane Society does is that these animals, dogs and cats, are important, sentient creatures with interests of their own. Humans' treatment and dealings with animals should take into consideration the interests and concerns of the dogs and cats first."

Blouin's study is part of a larger research project examining Americans' attitudes toward their dogs and the influences behind these attitudes. Traditionally, the largest group of dog owners in the U.S. could be described as dominionists, people who see animals as lesser creatures, often keep them outside, and expect them to be useful, such as with...