Case Study: # 1

MOHAMMAD ASHAR

L1S20BBAM0288

Introduction to Sociology (E)

Questions 1. To what extent is vegetarianism a social issue, as opposed to an individual one?

There is little doubt that vegetarianism is a social issue and that it is more than a mere dietary
choice. Moreover, similar to other social identities being a vegetarian has implications for the
values, beliefs, and attitudes people hold. . In turn the values, beliefs, and attitudes vegetarians
hold have implications for their behavior and for their well-being.

 Being a vegetarian is associated with holding more pro-social socio-political attitudes and with
reduced mental health in Western cultures, it is important to determine if such relationships exist
outside of the capitalist democracies.

Questions 2. How do vegetarians organize themselves as a minority group (or groups) in the
context of the wider society?

The vegetarians organize themselves as a minority group in the context of the wider society refer
to the population context which is just 3 million people (which is 5% of the adult population) and
they exclude fish, meat from their diets. It has been estimated that there are 1.5 billion
vegetarians worldwide; however, this statistic needs to be considered within the context of the
dietary choices that are available to people.

Questions 3. How do you think becoming vegetarian might shape a person’s view of themselves
and the world around them?

For much of the world, vegetarianism is largely a matter of economics: Meat costs a lot more
than, say, beans or rice, so meat becomes a special-occasion dish. In countries like the United
Kingdom where meat is not as expensive, though, people often choose to be vegetarians for
reasons other than cost. Parental preferences, religious or other beliefs, and health issues are
among the most common reasons for choosing to be a vegetarian. Many people choose a
vegetarian diet out of concern over animal rights or the environment. And lots of people have
more than one reason for choosing vegetarianism.

Questions 4. How might sociologists study the process of becoming a vegetarian?

This study begins with an analysis of the relationships between these systemic issues and
vegetarians, by means of an examination of well-known vegetarians. Secondly, in terms of social
class, the selection of vegetarians had more individuals from the upper-middle and lower-upper
classes, than from the lower social classes. Finally, concerning gender, more men than women
were included in the list. This is probably due to the fact that, generally speaking, women tend to
be under-represented in the mass media. On the other hand, factors keeping people from
becoming or from staying vegetarian/vegan are presented, such as negative stereotypes about
veganism.

Questions 5. How would our interpretation of the relevant information be shaped by the values
of campaigners, industry representatives and the mass media?

The fact that mass media attention to sustainable food systems and diets is increasing, it is
feasible that ecological concerns become a trigger to at least minor reductions in meat
consumption for a majority of the Western population, especially for those not motivated by
health or animal welfare. Mass media outlets, policy makers, and the food industry may also
consider environmental reasons to promote healthy and sustainable diets.