Vegetarianism in a Meat Landscape: A Case Study of Vegetarians in La Plata, Argentina
Open Access
- Author:
- DeLessio-Parson, Anne
- Graduate Program:
- Rural Sociology
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- July 10, 2013
- Committee Members:
- Anouk Patel, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
- Keywords:
- vegetarianism
veganism
Argentina
conversion
dietary change
meat landscape - Abstract:
- Eating represents more than a biological function: it is an act influenced by markets, conditioned by individual beliefs and family traditions, and firmly embedded in social relations. Vegetarianism in the West is an area where these tensions come into play. It is frequently conceptualized as an individual-level decision driven by concerns for animal rights, personal health, the environment, world hunger, and spirituality. However, because meals are often shared experiences, vegetarianism decisively affects friendships and family relationships. Little is known about the social implications of such dietary change, particularly outside of advanced industrialized countries. Even less is known about vegetarianism in Argentina, where beef consumption has historically been the world’s highest and the culinary tradition of the asado (≈ barbecue) forms an integral part of the national identity. This case study adopts a qualitative approach to examine vegetarianism as it is practiced in a meat-dominant cultural context of the Global South. In-depth interviews with 23 vegans and vegetarians in La Plata, Argentina, delved into their narratives of conversion and the ways their practices affect social relationships. Findings indicate that most participants cited animal welfare as their primary motivation and that they have faced reactions from meat-eaters ranging from adaption and accommodation to concern, bewilderment, resistance, or even hostility. An attitudinal typology of vegetarianism is developed, which serves to reveal striking gender differences in the ways that vegetarians re-position themselves in the meat landscape. Women generally exhibited attitudes consistent with active adaptation and tolerance; several embraced traditions such as the asado and cook meat for others, including non-vegetarian partners. In contrast, men generally rejected these traditions and, of those in committed partnerships, all were with other vegetarians. Examining gender differences in the reconciliation of personal beliefs and culturally-defined food traditions serves to highlight social barriers to dietary change.