Discussions About Health And Vegetarianism

Unlike studies that assume vegetarian motivations reflect stable internal attitudes, the authors of this study argued that reported motivations may be used persuasively. For example, health motivations for vegetarianism can be used to counter the possible accusation of being moralizing. The concept of health can also be used to support either vegetarianism or meat consumption. The authors concluded that studies measuring vegetarian motivations should be treated with some skepticism, as responses may depend on the argumentative context.

Article Abstract:

“Typically, research on vegetarianism has sought to identify the psychological characteristics that distinguish vegetarians from meat-eaters. Health concerns have been identified as a motivation for meat abstention.”

“In this article, rhetorical analysis of Internet discussions about health and vegetarianism highlights the argumentative orientation of explanations for meat consumption, with the various constructions of health serving a rhetorical function. We show the dilemmatic nature of arguments about the relationship between food and health: food can promote health and cause ill-health, and suggest that meat-eating as a dominant practice is supported by the rhetorical use of notions of ‘balance’, implying moderation, inclusion and rationality.”

“This rhetorical approach represents a radical critique of past work that assumes opinions given in response to questions about vegetarian practices represent ‘causes’ of dietary practice.”