Political Ideology Affects College Student Eating Habits

Abstract

To determine if there is a link between political ideologies among college students, an online survey was conducted that asked not only political affiliation and eating habits, but also stance on controversial topics such as abortion laws, police funding and national border/immigration policies. Overall, 39, 25.1 and 22.5 % of the respondents identified as Republican, Democrat and Independent, respectively. Ninety percent of Democrats, 100% of Libertarians, and 94% of Republicans identified as omnivores (eating meat and plant-based foods), respectively. In response to a different political ideology question, 2%, 32%, 52%, 12.5%, and 1% described themselves as Communist, Conservative, Moderate, Socialist or Ultra-conservative, respectively. From these political categories 57% of Communists, 95% of Conservatives, 89% of Moderates, 82% of Socialists and 100% of Ultra-conservatives were omnivores . A negative correlation was found between respondents that supported opening the U.S. borders and knowledge of food or eating a balance diet. Furthermore a positive correlation was found among respondents who supported police and knowledge of food or eating a balance diet. Overall, results show that consumer behaviors and self-identity are closely linked, and understanding both may be useful in predicting not only consumer purchase decisions but also views on political and social issues.