Changing eating habits and the impact on sustainable consumption: an analysis of the flexitarians' journey from the perspective of Life Course Paradigm Theory
uma análise da jornada de flexitarianos sob a ótica da Teoria do Paradigma do Curso de Vida
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18696/reunir.v13i4.1608Keywords:
Sustainability, Flexitarianism, Life Course Paradigm TheoryAbstract
There is a transformation in the eating habits of a group of consumers that can lead to more sustainable consumption on a larger scale, which is linked to a reduction in meat consumption, but in a more flexible and less restrictive way compared to vegetarianism. This phenomenon is called flexitarianism. Thus, this paper aims to analyze the processes of adaptation to the new flexible diet in light of the Life Course Paradigm Theory. Qualitative research was conducted in which 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people who have become flexitarian. The results showed that having in the relational cycle vegetarians contributed to the decision to change in the future and allowed access to information related to environmental damage. Regarding the actual timing of the change, health was the main motivator, followed by environmental concerns. Regarding the phase of adaptation to change, the economic situation and high meat prices emerged in the reports as conditions that facilitated the decrease in consumption. Another point that emerged in the adaptation process was the fact of acquiring the social role of the spouse, which was linked to a context of change towards a more sustainable behavior. A greater concern about the origin of the food was perceived in the reports. As a future study, we suggest a study on identity and feelings in the process of reducing meat consumption.
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