"Like One Who is Bringing his Own Hide to Market": marx, irigaray, derrida and animal commodification. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wadiwel, Dinesh Joseph
• Is Part Of: Angelaki. Volume 21:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Marx -- Irigaray -- Derrida -- animal -- value -- money; Literature -- Criticism and interpretation -- Periodicals; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; 100
• DOI: 10.1080/0969725X.2016.1182725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-725X

Abstract

Abstract: This paper explores the commodification of animals, beginning with Marx's description of how value arises within a system of exchange. Drawing from Irigaray, I observe that value in animals is both arrived at through the use value of the animal as a commodity for human consumption and as a form of currency which serves a function in reproducing the value of the "human" itself. Extending this further, I reflect on Derrida's discussion of the metaphor as a way to understand the removal of the skin of the animal in order to produce value. As I argue, we find here a convergence of material and symbolic violence which produces value in a way which is distinct from other commodities, and participates in generating the "mirage" of human sovereignty over other animals.