Masculinity, Meat, and Veg*nism: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Gender Studies
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Men traditionally consume more meat and show less intention to reduce intake compared to women.
• Meat consumption is deeply intertwined with societal expectations of masculinity.
• Environmental and health concerns are challenging traditional dietary norms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the connections between masculinities and men's attitudes and behaviors regarding meat consumption and vegan/vegetarian diets.
• To explore how gender norms influence men's dietary choices.
• To understand the social and cultural implications of men adopting plant-based diets.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 39 articles was conducted.
• Keywords related to "men" and "meat" were used for article selection.
• Thematic analysis was employed to identify key findings.

Main Results:

• Meat consumption is associated with traditional masculine identities and perceived physical strength.
• Men who adopt vegetarian or vegan diets (veg*n men) are often "othered" and face social challenges, including perceptions of emasculation.
• Some men are reclaiming or redefining masculinity through plant-based eating, linking veganism to positive masculine traits like discipline and self-determination.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the intersection of masculinity and diet is crucial for public health initiatives.
• Future research should explore how to promote healthier and more sustainable diets among men without challenging their gender identities.
• Interventions promoting plant-based diets should consider the social and cultural context of masculinity.