Understanding the Meat-Masculinity Link: Traditional and Non-Traditional Masculine Norms Predicting Men's Meat
Lauren Camilleri1, Melissa Kirkovski1, Jessica Scarfo1
1Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Australia.
Ecology of Food and Nutrition
|June 5, 2024
Summary
Masculinity norms influence men's meat consumption. Men endorsing violence and prioritizing sex ate more meat, while those with egalitarian views were more willing to reduce intake.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Nutritional Science
- Men's Health
Background:
- Masculinity ideology influences health behaviors, including diet.
- Specific masculine norms linked to meat consumption remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify which masculine norms predict meat consumption and willingness to reduce intake among men.
- To explore links between traditional/non-traditional masculine norms and red/processed meat consumption.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 557 Australian and English males.
- Assessed conformity to various masculine norms.
- Measured meat consumption and willingness to reduce intake.
Main Results:
- Support for physical violence and high importance of sex predicted higher meat consumption.
- Gender egalitarian views were associated with a higher willingness to reduce meat intake.
Conclusions:
- Specific masculine norms, such as endorsing violence or egalitarianism, are key predictors of men's meat consumption patterns.
- Interventions targeting these norms could help mitigate men's overconsumption of meat.
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