Graduation Year

2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Anthropology

Major Professor

Rebecca Zarger, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Tara Deubel, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Joseph Dorsey, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jennifer Friedman, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Laurel Graham, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Linda Whiteford, Ph.D.

Keywords

Afrocentric, intersectionality, new social movement, plant-based

Abstract

Veganism, or the avoidance of animal products, has been recognized by nutritionists and food scientists as a lifestyle choice associated with good health and lower prevalence of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. However, the choice to eschew all animal products is frequently more than just a diet. Many people practice veganism as part of a larger reformative social movement, seeking permanent change in food structures, advancing policies in animal welfare and transforming their everyday lives in the quest for cultural acceptance. Although the number of people who identify as vegans appears to be growing, it is often assumed that this choice is mostly made by affluent white people. There is a gap in the literature about the shared core beliefs and practices of members of the Black diaspora who choose to lead a vegan lifestyle and how their reasons may vary from the commonly stated reasons for veganism of health and animal rights. Using participant observation and in-depth semi-structured interviews of 21 Black vegans, this study investigates the lived experience of Black veganism in the United States. Previous studies have demonstrated some of the challenges that people of color have to overcome in adopting veganism. Participants identify obstacles in maintaining a vegan lifestyle and describe motivating factors beyond health and animal rights. Each interview is transcribed, coded, and analyzed to determine trends using grounded theory. The results are interpreted using a combined theoretical approach of critical race theory, intersectionality, and new social movement theory within an Afrocentric framework. This study reveals that Black veganism is a new social movement originating from Black culture. The main motivating factor is health, not animal rights. Black vegans focus on identity and strengthening Black communities. This study provides an anthropological framework to approaching new social movement research and findings can inform Black vegan advocates on ways to increase the adoption of plant-based diets.

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