Values and Vegetarianism: An Exploratory Analysis¹

TLDR

The American diet has shifted markedly in recent decades, altering food demand and affecting U.S. agriculture, offering a test for social theory. This study investigates the rapidly growing dietary choice of vegetarianism. Prevalence of different vegetarian diets was estimated in a representative suburban sample, and factors influencing the choice were examined.

Abstract

The American diet has changed substantially over the last few decades. These changes provide a test for social theory and have substantial effects on the demand for various food products, thus impacting U.S. agriculture. In this paper a rapidly growing dietary choice—vegetarianism—is explored. Prevalence of various forms of vegetarianism is estimated in a representative sample of a suburban population and factors that influence choice of a vegetarian diet are examined. About 7 percent of the sample report they are vegetarians. The prevalence of vegetarianism is not influenced by age, gender, or education, but individuals holding traditional values are less likely to be vegetarian than others. There also is some evidence mat individuals holding altruistic values are more likely than others to be vegetarians.