Veganism and vegetarianism in sociological context: A qualitative study

SUMMARY This doctoral dissertation aims to examine, from a sociological perspective, how the increasingly popular vegan/vegetarian lifestyle evolves in response to changing socio-cultural conditions and its place in modern society. The exploitation of non-human animals, the environmental impacts of animal farming for food production, and critiques of modern consumption practices are most prominently reflected in the practices of veganism and vegetarianism. In this context, the study investigates which segments of society adopt the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle and examines how these practices appeal to different social groups in relation to variables such as age, gender, education, and social class. Additionally, the research seeks to understand the role of social movements in the diffusion of the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, the processes of change and transformation they drive, and the potential impact of these practices on future social organization and food consumption patterns. Furthermore, the study explores how vegan and vegetarian individuals are positioned within the framework of different forms of capital (economic, social, cultural, and symbolic) and habitus, while also shedding light on the relationship between these lifestyles and social inequalities. In this regard, the sociological dynamics of the spread of veganism and vegetarianism among different groups and the interplay between these lifestyles and social structures are also addressed. The research was designed using a qualitative research methodology. Through in-depth interviews conducted with vegan and vegetarian individuals of diverse age, gender, education, and social class backgrounds, the study examines the impact of this lifestyle on their daily lives and the meanings they attribute to these practices. Additionally, participant observation with vegan/vegetarian communities and associations provided insights into the social environment and relationships shaped by these practices. The analyses conducted using the MAXQDA software reveal not only how vegan and vegetarian individuals sustain their lifestyles but also describe in detail how veganism and vegetarianism relate to gender, class, ecology-environment, and health issues. The findings indicate that veganism and vegetarianism are predominantly common among young, single, female, highly educated individuals from middle-to-upper-income groups. Moreover, it was observed that participants adopt this lifestyle driven by motivations such as animal ethics and ecological concerns. The dissertation highlights that participants face challenges including social pressures, economic costs, and food accessibility issues. Furthermore, participants suggested that, due to global issues such as environmental and climate crises, veganism and vegetarianism might shift from being a choice to a necessity for everyone in the future. Keywords: Veganism/Vegetarianism, Lifestyle, Bourdieu, Habitus, Consumer Society, Qualitative Research