Taija Kaarlenkaski

My background is in folklore studies and human-animal studies, and I have specialized in human-cattle relationships and the history of Finnish dairy husbandry.  In my previous studies, I have examined the impacts of technologization and modernization on cattle husbandry and the concomitant human-animal relationships in Finland from the late 19th century until the 21st century. Milk Change research project examines the changes in the meanings and practices related to milk and dairy farming in Finland from the 1950s to the present day, focusing on 1) the history of milk promotion, 2) contemporary public discussion, and 3) the perceptions and future plans of dairy farmers. Theoretically I am  interested in posthumanist and new materialist theories, as well as gender studies perspectives. I have also been involved in the research project “Culture of Unsustainability”, funded by the Academy of Finland, at the University of Turku (2019-2023).