The vegetarian culture
Introduction
There is much to what we think about culture. However, several aspects can be considered to be common across different cultures. It would appear that some cultures are extracted from other pre-existing cultures. Nevertheless, there would always be a cause for the existence of a given practice. Food is one of the necessities that have been used to mark some critical features of culture. Consequently people are becoming more aware of the types of foods they consume, and how it relates to the environment. Some of the environmental concerns involved include the extinction of certain animal species, destruction of animal habitats among other concerns. This study calls upon for a closer probe upon the pious reasons behind the vegetarian culture while comparing the key concepts controlling its existence.
Literature review
The vegetarian culture has been labeled amongst some of the most controversial concepts as theoretical approaches tend to assume that there are similar thought processes involved. While animal and environmental welfare may be the key constitutes of vegetarian practices, the concept is viewed differently when the Indian culture is considered. I wider range of the Indian population believes in the conservation of all animals as part of their religious norms (Reed, 2020). Authors in this area have suggested that different views are exhibited between varying categories of diets. For instance, omnivores have been known to possess a certain attribute of positivity towards meat.
The western cultures are commonly known to associate meat with social status, good taste and sometimes luxury. On the other hand, some cultures in countries like Canada, Germany and UK seem to consider the meat-eating culture as cruel, disgusting, poor health and unkind. Further research among the Irish and the Dutch implies a certain level of implicit negativity when it comes to meat consumption. Nevertheless, it is also believed that some vegetarian attitudes are occasionally nuanced. This is to say, a family may decide to consume a given type of food based on the generalized mood (Fox, Nick, and Katie 2008).
Research has also been directed towards the Indian vegetarianism where the country is perceived as widely vegetarian. Current research indicates that the vegetarian population in India comprises less than 40% of the citizens. Furthermore, this data is believed to have been inaccurate due to the methods of data collection involved (Biswas, 2020). These claims are based on the assumption that most people want to associate themselves vegetarianism hence higher recorded numbers of vegetarianism during a research. The other reason why people may under-report eating meat is based on both cultural and political pressures. While taking such considerations into account, it is eligible to suggest that only a rough estimate of 20% of the population is purely vegetarian.
Different researchers have realized that there is a difference in the types of motivations towards vegetarianism. Fox, Nick, and Katie 2008) conducted a research which considered health and ethical treatment of animals as the key motivators to vegetarianism among adults, in Canada USA ns the UK. Nevertheless, the researchers also realized that environmental concerns were also key contributing motivators to vegetarianism in the three countries (Fox, Nick, and Katie 2008). Meat consumption would perceptibly require high rates of grazing which in turn leads to land cultivation and destruction of some plant species. Grazing is also believed to contribute to land degradation especially in areas experiencing overgrazing.
Fox, Nick, and Katie, carried out investigations to establish patterns of consumption regarding different choices in food consumption. The researchers also identify pathways supporting certain food choices to have been generated through feelings and fundamental strategies to life choices. The underlying pathways have also contributed to varying patterns utilized by different vegetarians for adoption (Fox, Nick, and Katie 2008). The study recognized the gradual change adapted by health-oriented vegetarians. Vegetarians whose decisions are based on health reasons engage in trial periods before full adaptation. On the other hand ethical vegetarians seemed to undergo sudden changes during transition. These sudden changes are mainly associated with the need to serve certain beliefs, especially those concerning animal welfare.
Controversial conversations have been widely held between health vegetarians and ethical vegetarians. Ethical vegetarians have accused health-oriented vegetarians of being selfish and only caring about their well-being (Fox, Nick, and Katie 2008). Ethical vegetarians think of themselves as individuals of altruistic approach to life and that their actions are fundamentally meant for the well-being of the animals. Two ideological bases were from which the two concepts were derived. First, by examining humanistic commitments engaged through ethical vegetarianism. Secondly, the conservative and normative values are linked to health vegetarianism.
Environmental commitments
There are two key concepts involved in the discussions within this proximity. It is essential to differentiate between animal liberation and environmental ethics. The idea that there is a clear distinction between the two concepts raises concern on human domination on earth. One of the main reasons to encounter contradiction in these concepts is the presence of similar adversaries relating to the relevant advocacy. In other words, environmentalists’ key goals include the protection of animals and their habitats. On the other hand, animal liberation focuses on the safety of animals which also incorporates their consumption by the human species. Environmentalists are mainly fighting organizations that destroy the environment through unethical disposals which may impact animals. On the other hand, animal liberations concerned about unethical treatment of animals (Ruby, Matthew et al. 141-150).
Studies have also indicated that environmental movements were originally based on strong concerns for animal suffering. Jamieson, D. (1998) argued in his thesis that there are differences between animal liberation and environmentalism.
However, he also argues that the differences in these definitions are as deep and profound as the similarities.
Furthermore, theoretical studies have suggested that most environmental issues were encountered when humans decided to abandon the judaeo-christian culture. After abandoning this culture, humans decided to adopt repressed insights of other traditions. This approach was probably meant to allow humans to embrace unethical approach to nature.
Richard Routley is among philosophers of who seemed to support these arguments in the 1970s. His main arguments were that humans are guided by certain moral intuitions that could not be engrossed within traditional ethics. Theorists during those periods also established paradigms within which certain theories could be accepted as environmental ethic. For instance, a theory was required to recognize the existence of unconscious beings with a moral standing (Jamieson, 1998). It was argued that this ethic was not meant to bring awareness on the humans’ responsibility to nature. Nevertheless, this concept was able to bring the entire issue into perspective. It was also able to trigger other philosophical theorizations which extended to animal liberalization.
Health concerns
While health-oriented vegetarians have been accused of selfishness for not caring about animal welfare, they also play a significant role in the creation of the fundamental cultural norms. It has been a general assumption that vegetarian diets are healthier compared to non-vegetarian diets. However, some trends in India have proved that the opposite of this assumption could be true. Health-based studies have shown that, bariatric surgery has become rampant in India. The procedure is believed to be carried out more among vegetarians as compared to other diets. In 2016, a study conducted to help prove or disapprove these allegations proved that the vegetarian group underwent the procedure in the country as compared to other omnivores.
Studies in this area have also investigated the procedural rates across genders. The 2016 study suggested that more female vegetarians underwent the surgery as compared to female non-vegetarians. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences associated with male participants in the study. These unexpected results from vegetarian-based studies are sometimes associated with the uniqueness of the Indian vegetarianism. These studies have also suggested the possibility of having an irregular structure of the vegetarian culture. In other words, further studies need to be initiated to examine the nature of vegetarianism in the country as it is passed across each generation(Borude, 2020)..
As research tries to unravel the mystery behind obesity among Indians, some hypotheses also come up. For instance, some theories have associated the obesity in south Asia with the consumption of ghee and honey. Indians are also expected to lead a unique lifestyle especially relating to their eating habits. The eating habits most likely to influence the health conditions of vegetarian Indians are said to emanate from the available food businesses in the country (Borude, 2020). Vegetarian Indians are said to frequently consume unhealthy snacks, consume more fried products and increase the rate at which the consume food in general. Dinning at fast-food outlets also contributes to the unhealthy eating habits that the culture faces. The unusual health defects are also linked to the type of meat that non-vegetarians in the country consume. Research has shown that non-vegetarians rarely consume red or processed meat. The reduction of these components from their diets is believed to have contributed significantly to the lowered rates of obesity.
Current studies show that the rate of vegetarianism is increasing in India every day. This increase results from the increase in the number of individuals turning down meat consumption for religious purposes. Borude, 2020) argued that it is mythical to associate vegetarianism with improved health conditions. However, his suggestion seems to depend on the nature of the vegetarian food before its consumption. He argues that processed vegetarian food is not entirely health, hence the need to come up with more preferable vegetarian alternatives. The author makes additional propositions to help curb the consumption of unhealthy vegetarian foods. One of these suggestions includes the banning of unhealthy vegetarian food especially the type sold to innocent Indian adolescents.
Other key strategies can be put in place as a more permanent solution to obesity among vegetarians in India. To help reduce bariatric surgery, health practitioners, ought to come up with health oriented interventions targeting specific age groups. Such a strategy would ensure an instigation of acceptable eating habits at earlier stages of life. Nevertheless, for this initiative to be effective, it has to be implemented through government-powered health innervations. Mass media and food industry levels would also be preferable approaches to the implementation and enforcement of the health initiative.
Religious concerns
Quite a wide scope of research has been dedicated to the religious aspect of vegetarianism. However, some researchers have combined this approach with ethical vegetarianisms which mainly considers animal welfare. The studies in these areas have been focused on demonstrating that there is more to spirituality than religion or devotion to God.
Students assuming this perspective have recognized that there are biological, tangible and also visible concerns to be factored in, while focusing on the religious aspect of the vegetarian culture. There is no exhaustive research that has been used to link spirituality to physical well-being, especially whenever minor religious groups are involved (Nath, 2010).
Studies that have engaged this type of research have been mainly conducted under the concept of bio- spirituality. Bio-spirituality is considered to be the study of venerations accorded to any individual or object considered divine due to its impact or relation to the religious aspects of life. There are no binding requirements issued through the Buddhist religious leaders that specifically require religious followers to be vegetarian (Nath, 2010). On the other hand Krishna religious norms require its followers to abstain from sex before marriage, meat consumption, alcohol consumption or gambling. Buddhists are more interested in the harmony they can harness from their surroundings as well as the growth of personal philosophy.
As far as Buddhism is concerned, devotees are allowed to practice vegetarianism if it allows them reach a distinctive level of consciousness. Nevertheless, other fundamental concerns are linking up to the consumption of meat among Buddhists. The logic involved evolves from ‘ahimsa’ an ancient principle of the culture that encourages non-violence existence recognizing the important roles that animals play in nature. The SeventhDay Adventist church is among the Christian branches that believe that food plays a pivotal role in shaping the nature of morality (Nath, 2010).
Summary and discussion
A comprehensive study of the vegetarian culture engages a wide scope of sociological interactions mainly governed by the need to maintain balance across several facets of existence. Food can be marginalized on its contribution to culture and varying moral dimensions. However, different studies have argued that there is much to food than health and growth. As some segments of this study examine different human perspectives, the level of complexity associated with the entire concept increases across different cultures. Countries like Canada, Germany and UK seem to consider the meat-eating culture as cruel, disgusting, poor health and unkind.
India is recognized worldwide among countries that closely adore the vegetarian culture. Almost a half of the population is considered vegetarian. Reasons behind these high rates of vegetarianism are deemed religious. On the other hand the western cultures are commonly known to associate meat with social status, good taste and sometimes luxury. However, other reasons have been scientifically generated to explain the reasons behind vegetarianism in varying cultures. Ethical vegetarianism, animal liberation, environmental conns, health restrictions and religious concerns signify key association to vegetarianism. In other words, such are the key reasons why vegetarianism is considered across varying demographics (Hamilton, Malcolm, 65-83).
Due to the nutritional values associated with certain types of food, vegetarianism is more preferable to individuals looking to establish a healthier lifestyle. Meat and animal products are associated with certain dietary malfunctions which indicate disease causing conditions. Obesity and diabetes are some of the diseases linked to meat consumption. Research has shown an increased number of bariatric surgeries due to obesity among vegetarians in India. These arguments have tried to rule out consumption of meat as the key contributor to obesity, suggesting that vegetarians would engage in unhealthy eating habits anyway.
Environmentalism also signifies increased vegetarianism in different communities. The study has recognize the role of animals in the balance of nature and different groups are coming together to fight for conservation. However, this approach is deemed similar to animal liberation in which unethical treatment against animals is considered.
Conclusions
Both ethical and religious factors claim more credit to the massive growth of the vegetarian culture worldwide. The procedure is believed to be carried out more among vegetarians as compared to other diets. The 2016 study suggested that more female vegetarians underwent the surgery as compared to female non-vegetarians. These and other arguments seem to rule out health as the most potential contributors to the consumption of meat-free meals. Environmentalists are mainly fighting organizations that destroy the environment through unethical disposals which may impact animals (Ruby, Matthew et al. 141-150). The logic involved does not compelling to a wider community as far as vegetarianism is concerned.
India is at the center of discussion when it comes to vegetarianism. As far as Buddhism is concerned, devotees are allowed to practice vegetarianism if it allows them reach a distinctive level of consciousness. The logic involved evolves from ‘ahimsa’ an ancient principle of the culture that encourages non-violence existence. The deity approach to the entire issue recognizes the ultimate purpose of animals to natural balance (Hamilton, Malcolm, 65-83).
References
Biswas, S. (2020). The myth of the Indian vegetarian nation. BBC News. Retrieved 16 July 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43581122.
Borude, s. (2020). Meat and morbidity: Why are Indian vegetarians more likely to be obese than their omnivorous counterparts?. nutraingredients-asia.com. Retrieved 17 July 2020, from https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2019/02/04/Meat-and-morbidity-Why-are-Indian-vegetarians-more-likely-to-be-obese-than-their-omnivorous-counterparts.
Contemporary Religion 15.1 (2000): 65-83.
Fox, N., & Ward, K. (2008). Health, ethics and environment: A qualitative study of vegetarian motivations. Appetite, 50(2-3), 422-429.
Hamilton, Malcolm. “Eating ethically:’spiritual’and’quasi-religious’ aspects of vegetarianism.” Journal of
Jamieson, D. (1998). Animal liberation is an environmental ethic. Environmental values, 41-57.
Nath, J. (2010). ‘God is a vegetarian’: The food, health and bio-spirituality of Hare Krishna, Buddhist and Seventh-Day Adventist devotees. Health Sociology Review, 19(3), 356-368.
Natrajan, Balmurli, and Suraj Jacob. “‘provincialising’vegetarianism putting Indian food habits in their
place.” Economic and Political Weekly 53.9 (2018): 54-64.
Reed, W. (2020). Cultural differences: Vegetarian morality differs around the world. foodnavigator.com. Retrieved 16 July 2020, from https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2013/10/08/Cultural-differences-Vegetarian-morality-differs-around-the-world.
Ruby, Matthew B., et al. “Compassion and contamination. Cultural differences in vegetarianism.” Appetite 71 (2013): 340-348.