A recent study conducted by researchers has shed light on the reluctance of BBQ-loving Aussie men to adopt a vegan lifestyle, attributing it to concerns about it being perceived as lacking in masculinity.
The researchers discovered that Australian men are steadfast in their determination to hold onto their beloved bangers and burgers, viewing meat consumption as an integral part of their expression of manliness.
The study revealed that individuals who identified with more traditional masculine traits displayed a diminished inclination to reduce their meat intake or entertain the idea of veganism. Furthermore, it indicated that men who identified as “manlier” tended to possess a stronger conviction that consuming meat aligns with societal norms.
Interestingly, the research also highlighted that men tend to restrict their consumption of meat and consider vegetarianism less frequently compared to women.
The study encompassed a sample size of 5,244 participants, both male and female, providing valuable insights into the perceptions surrounding meat consumption.
Notably, both more masculine men and more feminine women shared similar perspectives on the naturalness of eating meat, viewing it as an inherent part of their dietary habits.
Led by Dr Samantha Stanley at the University of Canberra in Australia, the research team concluded, “Our findings suggest that Australian men may resist the idea of relinquishing meat due to the perception that eating meat is intertwined with their masculinity. Additionally, we observed that women who identify as more feminine, as well as men who identify as more masculine, perceive meat as a natural, necessary, and enjoyable component of their diets.”
These findings raise intriguing possibilities regarding the correlation between individuals’ self-perceived gender identity and their attitudes towards meat consumption. It is worth noting that men’s adherence to traditional masculine ideals more strongly influences their dietary choices regarding meat.
The report further acknowledged the gendered representation of meat in media and advertising, with many campaigns associating meat with notions of masculinity.
