Social network research and meat reduction – An overview of research directions and results from a study in Denmark

IF 3.7 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Thomas Bøker Lund , Bente Halkier
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Reducing the current level of meat consumption would reap significant environmental benefits. However, a consumer transition towards more plant-rich eating is lagging, and the social sciences have had limited success in understanding behavioural change in this area. Here, we advocate a research agenda focussing on the role social networks could play in encouraging consumers to eat less meat. We present main research directions in social network theory and highlight the distinction between simple and complex behavioural domains of which food and eating practices are an example of the latter. To illustrate one way in which social network insights can contribute to meat reduction research, we then present results from a questionnaire-based study of Danish consumers. We examine the association between an individual's personal network and reduced meat consumption. In line with assumptions, we show that, for a complex domain such as food and eating practices, exposure from multiple network sources is central to behavioural adoption. However, multiple network exposure is predominantly important for the initial decision to eat less meat. A narrower network of personal contacts become more central during the implementation stage. We end by outlining future research directions for social network research regarding meat reduction.

社会网络研究与减少肉类 - 丹麦研究方向与成果概览
降低目前的肉类消费水平将带来巨大的环境效益。然而,消费者向更多食用植物过渡的进程滞后,而社会科学在理解这一领域的行为变化方面取得的成果有限。在此,我们提出一项研究议程,重点关注社会网络在鼓励消费者少吃肉方面可能发挥的作用。我们介绍了社会网络理论的主要研究方向,并强调了简单行为领域和复杂行为领域之间的区别,食品和饮食习惯就是后者的一个例子。为了说明社会网络的洞察力如何有助于减少肉类的研究,我们随后介绍了一项针对丹麦消费者的问卷调查结果。我们研究了个人网络与减少肉类消费之间的关联。与假设一致,我们表明,对于食品和饮食习惯这样一个复杂的领域,来自多个网络来源的接触是行为采纳的核心。然而,多重网络接触对于最初决定少吃肉来说是最重要的。在实施阶段,较窄的个人接触网络变得更加重要。最后,我们概述了有关减肉的社会网络研究的未来研究方向。
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来源期刊
Cleaner and Responsible Consumption
Cleaner and Responsible Consumption Social Sciences-Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
CiteScore
4.70
自引率
0.00%
发文量
40
审稿时长
99 days
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