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A rhetorical approach to discussions about health and vegetarianism

  • Ann Weatherall
    ,
  • Marc Stewart Wilson
    ,
  • Carly W. Butler
  • Victoria University of Wellington
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Abstract

Typically, research on vegetarianism has sought to identify the psychological characteristics that distinguish vegetarians from meat-eaters. Health concerns have been identified as a motivation for meat abstention. In this article, rhetorical analysis of Internet discussions about health and vegetarianism highlights the argumentative orientation of explanations for meat consumption, with the various constructions of health serving a rhetorical function. We show the dilemmatic nature of arguments about the relationship between food and health: food can promote health and cause ill-health, and suggest that meat-eating as a dominant practice is supported by the rhetorical use of notions of 'balance', implying moderation, inclusion and rationality. This rhetorical approach represents a radical critique of past work that assumes opinions given in response to questions about vegetarian practices represent 'causes' of dietary practice.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 567-581

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Health Psychology (Volume 9, Issue 4)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 31/07/2004

Publication status

Published - 31/07/2004

ISSN

1359-1053

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/625718
  • Scopus: 3042850188

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