Markalaşan Dostlar ve Patili Prestij: Yozgat’ta Köpek Satın Alma Pratikleri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Öz

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de köpek satın alma pratiklerini tüketim kültürü ve statü sembolleri bağlamında incelemektedir. Çalışma, evcil hayvan sahiplenme süreçlerinin kapitalist tüketim dinamikleri içinde nasıl şekillendiğini anlamaya katkı sunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Özellikle belirli ırkların popülerleşmesi, sosyal medya etkisi ve üreticiden doğrudan alım tercihleri ele alınmaktadır. Araştırmanın amacı, köpeklerin yalnızca evcil hayvan olarak olmanın ötesinde, aynı zamanda prestij unsuru ve sosyal statü göstergesi olarak nasıl konumlandığını anlamaktır. Çalışma, nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak 25 kişi ile gerçekleştirilmiş ve derinlemesine görüşmeler yoluyla Yozgat’ta veri toplanmıştır. Katılımcıların ifadeleri, belirli ırkların daha prestijli görüldüğünü, köpek sahiplenmenin kimlik inşasıyla ilişkili olduğunu ve sosyal medya platformlarının bu süreci nasıl şekillendirdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bulgular, evcil hayvan sahiplenmenin duygusal bir karar olmadığını dahası tüketim alışkanlıkları ve toplumsal statü ile yakından bağlantılı olduğunu göstermektedir. Türkiye’de kısırlaştırma kültürünün yaygın olmaması ve sokak hayvanlarına olan ilgisizliğin (bilgi eksikliğinin), bu statü odaklı sahiplenme pratiklerini pekiştirdiği de belirlenmiştir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Cins Köpek
• Tüketim Kültürü
• Köpek Satın Alma
• Kısırlaştırma
• Post Hümanizm
• Sokak Köpeği

Branded Companions and Pawed Prestige: An Analysis of Dog Purchasing Practices in Yozgat

Abstract

This study examines dog purchasing practices in Turkey within the framework of consumer culture and status symbols. It aims to contribute to an understanding of how pet ownership processes are shaped by capitalist consumption dynamics. The study particularly focuses on the popularization of certain breeds, the influence of social media, and the preference for purchasing directly from breeders. The main objective is to explore how dogs are positioned not merely as pets, but also as markers of prestige and indicators of social status. The research employs a qualitative methodology and is based on in-depth interviews conducted with 25 participants in Yozgat. Participants’ narratives reveal that certain breeds are perceived as more prestigious, that dog ownership is closely linked to identity construction, and that social media platforms play a significant role in shaping these practices. The findings indicate that pet ownership is not solely an emotional decision; rather, it is deeply intertwined with consumption habits and social status. Furthermore, the lack of a widespread neutering culture in Turkey, along with indifference and limited awareness regarding stray animals, reinforces these status-oriented ownership practices.

Keywords

• Purebred Dog
• Consumer Culture
• Dog Purchase
• Neutering/Spaying
• Shelter
• Post Humanism
• Stray Dog

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