A new survey from the Vegan Society has found that 41 percent of men plan to become vegan or are interested in veganism, but concerns about masculinity, health and friends’ reactions are found to be barriers The survey found that more men are open to becoming vegan than previously thought.
Read more: Men eat more meat than women in gender-equal countries, study finds
The report, entitled “Veganism and masculinity: challenging stereotypes and embracing change”, seeks to address the continuing gender imbalance among vegans. Vegan men are still outnumbered by women, and the report aims to understand this imbalance better by speaking to vegan and non-vegan men, and address the issues that impede a vegan lifestyle. Some of the issues are universal, while others are specific to men.
“With more than 80 billion land animals killed for food each year and evidence that a global shift to a vegan diet could reduce climate change emissions by 70%, it is essential we work to break down the barriers that stop people from trying a vegan diet and address misconceptions about taste and nutrition,” Alexander Huntley, research and policy officer at The Vegan Society, said in a statement.
Barriers to veganism
Adobe Stock Nearly half of men surveyed were worried about reactions from family and friends
The survey revealed that taste, nutrition and health concerns remain common barriers cited by women, and that 47% of men interviewed worried they would not receive support from friends and family if they went vegan.
Read more: New study investigates excuses people use to justify eating meat
The Vegan Society concluded that men need to be provided with more information, support and resources to alleviate these concerns. Resources should be tailored to nutrition, recipes and the evidence supporting a vegan lifestyle. Equally important is a sense of community, so that men transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle have access to vegan connections and supportive social groups. The survey found that many vegan men find success by making the change alongside a vegan partner or supportive friends.
“I encourage any men interested in veganism to visit our Vegan & Thriving page, which is full of first-hand information, advice and words from vegan men about their vegan journeys and how veganism relates to masculinity,” Huntley said.
Read more: Climate ‘gender gap’: Men’s meat-eating habits drive up emissions