First Advisor

Charles Klein

Date of Award

5-24-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and University Honors

Department

Psychology

Subjects

Veganism -- Minorities, Vegans -- Social conditions, Minorities -- Food, Veganism -- Social aspects, Veganism -- Political aspects

DOI

10.15760/honors.569

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the diversity in perspectives regarding veganism and its intersections with race, food justice, and other identities such as class and gender, in order to answer the following research questions: Do the experiences of vegans of color differ in their relationships to other members of the vegan community? How do vegan politics intersect with racial politics and food politics? Do vegans of color show discomfort or resistance to whiteness and white privilege within mainstream vegan networks? Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted among vegans of color, as well as three interviews among white vegans to use this data as a point of comparison. Interview questions covered topics including identity, interpersonal relationships, community involvement, food access, and diversity. The content of the interviews was then transcribed and analyzed by coding for key concepts discussed by the interviewees. Key themes and trends of experiences emerged among vegans of color, including social norms of vegan communities, leadership and redefining activism, and food politics. These observations are situated within the context of mainstream vegan networks. Suggestions are made for creating a more inclusive veganism, including recognizing the challenges, culturally appropriate veganism, incorporation of human rights, and diversifying the leadership.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/25368

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