Abstract:

The myth that men are hunters and women are gatherers and the stereotype that men eat meat and women eat vegetables, which have come from past to present refer to sexist codes in nutrition. Within the frame of these sexist codes, the present study sought to examine manhood construction in the context of diet of vegan men who do not consume meat and food of animal origin. To that end, the researchers interviewed 28 male participants with different sociodemographic characteristics. The researchers aimed to reveal the views of the participants on the stereotype that “men eat meat” and the myth that men are hunters and women are gatherers. In this context, the study focused on manhood construction of vegan men. In addition, the study examined the views of the participants on the correlation between vegan diet and womanhood. The study concluded that some vegan men were subordinated, had to struggle against sexist discourses from men and women in their surroundings, were subjected to sexual orientation criticism by other people and were made believe that they would lose their manhood because they did not eat meat. The study found that vegan diet was related with respecting the autonomy of animals and animal rights. Therefore, the participants stressed that regardless of gender, vegan diet could be adopted by all people who were sensitive to rights, due to ethical concerns. Above all, it was a lifestyle.

Keywords: