Defining Veganism: Practice Or Belief?

The Oxford dictionary defines veganism as “the practice of not eating or using any animal products.” But many people define “vegan” more broadly, using it to refer not only to a practice, but also to an identification with a broader identity or set of ethical beliefs. In this article, the authors argue that a minimal, practice-based definition of veganism should be favored.

Why does the definition of veganism matter? In animal welfare campaigns, success often hinges on whether the vegan community seems appealing and welcoming. More inclusive and expansive “lifestyle” conceptions of veganism can be perceived as more inclusive, and many people see themselves as veg*n even if they do not meet a technical practice-based definition. More inclusive definitions can also contribute to or ease conflict within the veg*n community, which can arise from minor differences in beliefs and practices. Meanwhile, in academic research more broad or narrow definitions can expand or focus scholars’ attention, impacting how and which topics are studied.

Debates about definitions of “-isms” often center around whether they should describe a practice (like teetotalism or bicyclism) or a belief (like feminism or Protestantism). For veganism, this amounts to deciding whether “veganism” should refer to a practice (of abstaining from animal products), to a belief (in the importance of animal welfare, for instance), or to both.

Benefits of a Practice-Based Definition 

The authors support a minimal practice-based definition — one that refers only to the physical practice of abstaining from animal-derived products. They argue that this minimal definition respects the many possible beliefs that could drive one to abstain from animal products. Some people, for example, might be motivated primarily by compassion for animals, perhaps inspired by religious or spiritual reasons. Others might seek to reduce environmental degradation or to reduce anthropogenic climate change; still others might be vegan for reasons completely divorced from animal welfare, such as health reasons or to reduce the spread of zoonotic diseases. And within each of these categories, there can be many variations in values and beliefs: some animal welfare advocates, for instance, might be focused primarily on non-human animal well-being, while others might see their veganism as part of a broader political philosophy that opposes hierarchies.

The authors argue that this minimal definition (based only on the practice of abstaining from animal-derived products) is more logically coherent and, by not implying that all vegans hold the same beliefs, avoids painting vegans with the same brush. This, they argue, allows veganism to be more neutral and approachable, able to be supported “by anyone for any reason.”

Benefits of a Belief-Based Definition 

Defining veganism more broadly than a strict practice also has benefits. Many people, for instance, define veganism as a belief in animal or environmental welfare, arguing that this broader definition can help animal welfare advocates create inclusive communities even when members might differ in some details of their diet. For example, the strict practice-based definition of veganism excludes people who seek to reduce but not eliminate animal products from their diet, potentially making them feel excluded from vegan communities.

Definitions that are both belief- and practice-based can also be more natural in including the many other ways in which humans exploit animals. Many vegans would consider the use of animals for entertainment and labor, for instance, to be antithetical to their veganism, even though these do not involve diet.

Example: From Practice to Practice-and-Belief. 

The Vegan Society’s definition of veganism provides an example of the benefits of both practice- and belief-based definitions. When he founded The Vegan Society in 1944, Donald Watson used a practice-based definition of veganism: “the practice of living upon fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains, and other wholesome non-animal foods.” Four years later, members pointed out that the organization’s mission to “oppose the exploitation of sentient life” went beyond diet. Today, The Vegan Society’s definition of veganism includes avoiding all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals.

If you’re thinking about what definition of veganism to use in your organization’s research, Faunalytics provides Research Advice and Recommended Survey Questions.