Read for free the latest paper by UPF-CAE members Estela M. Díaz, Núria Almiron and Olatz Aranceta-Reboredo "Compromised values: a comparative response during the COVID-19 crisis by ethical vegans and vegetarians", published in Humanities & social Sciences Communications.

Read it here.

Abstract

Animal advocacy is a complex phenomenon. As a social movement encompassing diversemoral stances and lifestyle choices, veganism and vegetarianism (veg*) are at its core, andanimal testing raises as a notably contentious issue within its members. This paper addressesthis critical topic. Employing data from an international quantitative survey conductedbetween June and July 2021, our research explores how ethical vegans and vegetariansresponded during the COVID-19 crisis. By comparing the experiences and choices betweenthe two groups, we aimed to understand the variances in attitudes and behaviors in the faceof an ethical dilemma, highlighting the interplay between personal beliefs and social pres-sures in times of a health crisis. Our findings reveal stark contrasts in how vegans andvegetarians navigated the pandemic; vegans displayed less conformity yet experienced asignificant compromise of their ethical values, particularly in their overwhelming acceptanceof vaccination. This study enhances the field of veg* research and social movement studies byexploring how a social crisis shapes members’ behaviors and perspectives. Our findings alsocontribute to a better understanding of the challenges and prejudices that a minority groupsuch as vegans may face and how they cope with the pressure to go against the mainstreamat a time when society is polarized by a single discourse that goes against their moral values.