The Evolution of Urban Australian Meat-Eating Practices

Khara, T; Riedy, C; Ruby, MB

The Evolution of Urban Australian Meat-Eating Practices

Khara, T Riedy, C

Ruby, MB

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Publisher:: Frontiers Media SA
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2021, 5, pp. 624288
Issue Date:: 2021-12-15

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Khara, T
dc.contributor.author	Riedy, C https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3668-737X
dc.contributor.author	Ruby, MB
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-26T20:44:09Z
dc.date.available	2022-01-26T20:44:09Z
dc.date.issued	2021-12-15
dc.identifier.citation	Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2021, 5, pp. 624288
dc.identifier.issn	2571-581X
dc.identifier.issn	2571-581X
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153586
dc.description.abstract	This qualitative study used social practice theory to explore how meat-eating practices are changing in contemporary urban Australia, drawing on a sample of Sydney residents aged 23–45 years. The research used an iterative study design and an inductive analysis approach. Semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were the main mode of data collection, supplemented by observations in places such as markets and local neighborhoods. Research participants explained that the role of meat in their diet has changed in response to shifting conventions and social infrastructures. They have reduced consumption of red meat in favor of meats considered healthier or more ethical. Key factors driving the change include exposure to alternative eating practices brought about through changes in political policy and the advent of globalization. Changing discourses of masculinity and the move toward embracing more fluid representations of gender have, in turn, changed meanings in relation to the meat-eating man and a meat-heavy diet. Rising environmental and health consciousness, and concerns for animal welfare have also contributed to dietary changes. While several participants claimed to have increased their consumption of plant-based foods, meat still continues to maintain a significant presence within their diets. Many participants expressed interest in cutting back further on meat consumption and adopting more plant-based foods but they also identified several challenges—e.g., limited access to plant-based ingredients and recipes, negative meanings associated with vegetarian and vegan diets, and a lack of competence in relation to preparing and consuming appetizing meals using plant-based foods.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Frontiers Media SA
dc.relation.ispartof	Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3389/fsufs.2021.624288
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	The Evolution of Urban Australian Meat-Eating Practices
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	5
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)/Institute For Sustainable Futures
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - ISF - Institute for Sustainable Futures
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/e-Press
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-01-26T20:44:06Z
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	5

Abstract:

This qualitative study used social practice theory to explore how meat-eating practices are changing in contemporary urban Australia, drawing on a sample of Sydney residents aged 23–45 years. The research used an iterative study design and an inductive analysis approach. Semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were the main mode of data collection, supplemented by observations in places such as markets and local neighborhoods. Research participants explained that the role of meat in their diet has changed in response to shifting conventions and social infrastructures. They have reduced consumption of red meat in favor of meats considered healthier or more ethical. Key factors driving the change include exposure to alternative eating practices brought about through changes in political policy and the advent of globalization. Changing discourses of masculinity and the move toward embracing more fluid representations of gender have, in turn, changed meanings in relation to the meat-eating man and a meat-heavy diet. Rising environmental and health consciousness, and concerns for animal welfare have also contributed to dietary changes. While several participants claimed to have increased their consumption of plant-based foods, meat still continues to maintain a significant presence within their diets. Many participants expressed interest in cutting back further on meat consumption and adopting more plant-based foods but they also identified several challenges—e.g., limited access to plant-based ingredients and recipes, negative meanings associated with vegetarian and vegan diets, and a lack of competence in relation to preparing and consuming appetizing meals using plant-based foods.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153586