Meat and men: Addressing the need for diversifying food protein consumption practices through becoming ecological citizens

A number of global challenges related to human health, greenhouse gas emissions, antimicrobial resistance, environmental degradation and ultimately global food security have been associated with the impact of livestock production and consumption (FAO 2008; Benton and Beljasz 2016). This has led to strengthening calls from global bodies for a reduction in animal-based protein production and consumption. However work to encourage the diversification of protein consumption towards plant-based protein sources needs to address many cultural and social values associated with eating animal-based protein (red/white meat, fish, dairy products). Indeed in western cultures there is a long history of cultural association between qualities like strength, stamina and size with the consumption of animal-based proteins; these values are now spreading widely across Asia. The research will seek to understand attitudes and practices around different types of protein, both animal- and plant-based, among different consumers.

Recent research has identified particular challenges in recruiting men to take part in healthy eating/ environmental ethical research as relates to changing food practices, and within those who did participate there was lower motivation to change consumption habits in comparison to women. As a consequence the focus of this research will explicitly be with men. It will ask the question how do masculine subjectivities relate and respond to the capacity to care and engage with responses to global challenges through changing and adapting their protein consumption practices? The findings may support the growing interest in encouraging greater uptake of non-animal-based proteins in men’s diets.

The research will draw on the ‘becoming ecological citizenship’ approach (Roe and Buser 2016) that frames eating practices in relation to the non-human world, as ecological citizen as opposed to ethical consumer. Thus in this way the theoretical and methodological impetus will be to frame the questions that surround animal-based protein consumption and production in relation to wider environmental concerns, rather than one of socio-cultural taste and habits. This study of masculine subjectivities in relation to protein consumption practices will thus address the interplay between commitments to engage with environmental ethical relations and men’s personal food tastes and habits. The men taking part in the study will be recruited from white, black and minority ethnic background. We would be interested in hearing from applicants interested in exploring food practices in relation to these different intersections of identity, as well as class, sexuality etc.

Candidates must have or expect to gain a first or strong upper second class degree, in an appropriate discipline, not necessarily Geography. Details on how to apply are available from Julie Drewitt, email [Email Address Removed]. Informal enquiries may be made to the project supervisors. For the latest information on postgraduate opportunities within Geography and Environment, please visit our website at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/postgraduate/research_degrees/studentships.page?

The Research Group details can be found at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/research/groups.page