Understanding the Meat-Masculinity Link: Traditional and Non-Traditional Masculine Norms Predicting Men's Meat Consumption

Ecol Food Nutr. 2024 Jul-Aug;63(4):355-386. doi: 10.1080/03670244.2024.2361818. Epub 2024 Jun 4.

Abstract

Conformity to masculinity ideology predicts men's meat consumption and willingness to reduce their meat intake, but it is unknown which specific masculine norms account for these relationships. This study investigated which traditional and non-traditional masculine norms predict meat consumption, red and processed meat consumption, and willingness to reduce meat consumption in 557 Australian and English males. Men who support the use of physical violence and place high importance on sex ate more meat. Willingness to reduce was highest among men with gender egalitarian views. Targeting these specific masculine norms may be important for mitigating men's overconsumption of meat.

Keywords: Conformity to masculine norms; gendered eating; meat-masculinity link; men’s red and processed meat consumption; willingness to reduce meat consumption.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Diet
  • Food Preferences
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Masculinity*
  • Meat*
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult