Tell me what you don't eat, and I'll tell you who you are.
What relationships do vegetarians have with each other and with the rest of society? This is a vast question, given that dietary practices are such a powerful element of social identity. This project is supported by I-SITE MUSE as part of its 2017 research support program.
The vegetarian phenomenon in France? In terms of numbers, it remains marginal. According to the latest Nutrinet survey, 2% of the population was vegetarian in 2017. "But according to sources, people who say they are reducing their meat consumption more or less drastically represent 25 to 40% of the population, so the phenomenon goes far beyond the minority of vegetarians recorded," points out Lucie Sirieix. A professor at the Institut Agro, Montpellier Supagro, the consumer behavior specialist at UMR MOISA is leading a research project on the social influences surrounding vegetarianism. It is a diverse practice, with diets ranging from vegetarians who do not eat meat, vegans who do not eat any animal products, and vegans who ban them from their lives and not just their diets (excluding, for example, leather for clothing). Added to these are "flexitarians" who, although the term is not strictly defined, are generally described as adopting a vegetarian diet but occasionally eating meat.
100% in humanities
Conducted with Gilles Séré de Lanauze, senior lecturer at the University of Montpellier, this study of eating habits is funded by Muse. Focusing entirely on the humanities, it gives pride of place to qualitative approaches. An initial survey of 25 young people following various vegetarian diets examines the adoption of vegetarianism, as well as the relationships between vegetarians on the one hand, and between vegetarians and the rest of society on the other. This is an important dimension, as the practical and social constraints imposed by such diets, which are relatively marginal in society, lead to a rethinking of relationships with others.
When it comes to motivations for becoming vegetarian, unsurprisingly, concern for animal welfare is the most commonly cited reason. The animal issue takes many different forms, the most radical being anti-speciesism, which advocates equal treatment for all species, human and non-human. Motivations also include more individual concerns for health and well-being, or, conversely, broader concerns for the environment.
"What interested us, beyond the diversity of motivations, was the perceived distance—or lack thereof—between the vegetarian community and the rest of society," says Lucie Sirieix. Some respondents pointed out the normality of their practices, while others emphasized their strong antagonism with the rest of society. For example, for T., vegetarianism "is about things that are commonly accepted in society," while L., on the other hand, believes that "in today's society, it's still inconceivable to be vegetarian, despite the trend, despite everything you want."
Acting on impulse
Individual and/or community practice: here again, there are many different responses. "I really feel like I belong to a community, and I really appreciate that feeling of belonging. It's a bit like supporters of a soccer club," says M., while N. states: "I'm not into communities, ghettos... I don't like that kind of thing." The communities mentioned are diverse: communities of ideas (the L214 association, the Association des végétariens de France), virtual communities (a local Facebook group) or physical communities (colleagues at a vegetarian fast-food restaurant, etc.).
Another salient aspect of the interviews was the decision to take action. "The thing that really made up my mind was a particular news report that exposed overproduction and the agri-food industry's exploitation of animals by keeping them in appalling conditions and feeding them antibiotics just to increase production and yields," says Mr. The final decision to stop consuming animal products is often motivated by a triggering event. In particular, acts of cruelty to animals, but also a bad personal experience or the influence of a loved one or doctor.
In the accounts, difficulties with those around them are a recurring theme. "Relationships with family members appeared in some cases to be more difficult than relationships with friends, with parents' reluctance often stemming from fears for their child's health, but these feelings often gradually gave way to greater tolerance, or even a change in practices shared within the household," explains Lucie Sirieix.
The humanities project has not yet revealed all its findings, as eating habits are such a powerful factor in the construction of social identity. Another study, this time based on fifteen life stories, is currently being analyzed. As for the quantitative component, it has been delayed by the Covid-19 crisis, but will provide figures thanks to a survey of several hundred people expected this year.