PGR: Queer(y)ing Human–Horse Relationships in Rural Yunnan Tourism

This ethnographic PhD project involves five months of participant observation in a national park on the China–Myanmar border and 39 semi-structured interviews with clan members. It addresses two research questions: What does a liveable life mean for villagers working in horse-riding tourism in rural China? How do rural–urban inequalities shape individuals’ evaluations of themselves, significant others, and non-human others?

This presentation shares emerging findings from the data collection phase. First, most participants, predominantly men in their 30s to 60s, were formerly peasants or migrant workers in construction or factories. Due to precarious work conditions, family responsibilities, and the rise of local tourism, they have returned to work at a nearby tourist site. Second, the horse-riding cooperative follows a ‘one horse per family’ policy. Each family takes turns leading their horse for tourists, with daily income divided among participants. Third, although horses are viewed both as tools for income and as sentient beings, there remains an absence of clear categories to define these human-horse relationships.

Overall, the project contributes empirical data and theoretical insights into the moral and emotional dimensions of rural–urban inequalities through the lens of human–animal relationships.

Heidi (Rui Yang) is a PhD student at the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University. She explores social inequalities through the lens of human–horse relationships, with a particular focus on boundary-making and moral evaluation. Her research is informed by various encounters with horses as historical symbols, livestock, transport, and sport partners, through her upbringing and educational mobility.

MCI’s PGR workshops are lunchtime seminars held in person at the Manchester China Institute. They seek to bring together students, faculty, and staff who can best provide feedback as postgraduate researchers develop their ideas. Free lunch will be provided.

The MCI is a listed building and therefore does not have any lifts. Please note that you must use the stairs in order to access the venue and the toilets.

The organisers will be taking photos during this event. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, kindly inform the organisers before the event starts.

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Host or Publisher The Manchester China Institute