Symbolic Interactionism: what we think about animals is drawn from our exposure to different ideas about animals. Ex: some people have firm ideas about whether animals, including pets, \”belong\” in houses, because for them animals are either a) outdoor creatures, for working, or b) indoor creatures, for companionship.
Structural functionalism: animals have functions within society that are unique and have differing value. Ex: animals are necessary for tasks humans cannot necessarily do, like plowing fields or being subjects for scientific study.
Self-determination theory: Everything is about individual fulfillment, I guess, including our pets.