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Towards a theory of pastoralist and rancher identity: insights for understanding livestock systems in transformation

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  • María E. Fernández-Giménez

    (Colorado State University)

  • Hailey Wilmer

    (USDA-Agriculture Research Service Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research (RSPER) Unit)

Abstract

This article outlines a middle-range theory of pastoralist/rancher identity, offering a framework for analyzing the meanings, symbols, and practices associated with four interrelated dimensions of pastoralist identity: identification with livestock, place, family and community, and occupation. Poetic analysis of interviews from pastoral systems in transition in Mongolia’s Khangai and Gobi regions, the Spanish Pyrenees, and Colorado, USA shows how theorizing pastoralist identity, animated by place-based knowledge and emotion, may support deeper understanding of livestock-keepers’ social conflicts and responses to change. Even in capitalist systems, livestock-keepers are often primarily motivated by maintaining identities and lifeways rather than by profit maximization.

Suggested Citation

  • María E. Fernández-Giménez & Hailey Wilmer, 2025. "Towards a theory of pastoralist and rancher identity: insights for understanding livestock systems in transformation," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 42(2), pages 845-862, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:42:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10460-024-10641-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-024-10641-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arthur H. Smith & William E. Martin, 1972. "Socioeconomic Behavior of Cattle Ranchers, with Implications for Rural Community Development in the West," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 54(2), pages 217-225.
    2. Wernersson, Julia, 2018. "Rethinking identity in adaptation research: Performativity and livestock keeping practices in the Kenyan drylands," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 283-295.
    3. Ulambayar, Tungalag & Fernández-Giménez, María E., 2019. "How Community-Based Rangeland Management Achieves Positive Social Outcomes In Mongolia: A Moderated Mediation Analysis," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 93-104.
    4. Hailey Wilmer & María E. Fernández-Giménez & Shayan Ghajar & Peter Leigh Taylor & Caridad Souza & Justin D. Derner, 2020. "Managing for the middle: rancher care ethics under uncertainty on Western Great Plains rangelands," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 37(3), pages 699-718, September.
    5. repec:ucp:bkecon:9781787353138 is not listed on IDEAS
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