84% of Vegans Go Back to Eating Animals?
Debunking the Myth: Most True Vegans Stay True to Their Values
In recent debates surrounding veganism, a frequently cited statistic asserts that 84 percent of vegans eventually abandon their plant-based lifestyle, reverting to a non-vegan diet. This figure has raised concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of veganism as a dietary and ethical choice. However, a closer examination of the underlying research reveals critical flaws and inconsistencies that cast doubt on the accuracy of this widely circulated statistic.
‘‘Research nuances challenge the claim that 84% of vegans revert. Distinguishing vegans from vegetarians, clarifying ethical commitment, and considering varied study sizes reveal a more nuanced understanding of vegan longevity.’’
Distinguishing Vegans from Vegetarians: A Crucial Differentiation
One fundamental issue with the research lies in its failure to distinguish between vegans and vegetarians. These two dietary choices, while often grouped together, represent distinct perspectives and motivations. Veganism is rooted in a deep ethical commitment to animal welfare and the rejection of all animal exploitation, extending beyond mere dietary choices to encompass lifestyle practices and consumer habits. Vegetarianism, on the other hand, primarily revolves around dietary restrictions, often motivated by health concerns or personal preferences.
This qualitative difference is highlighted by insights from individuals like Dr. Alex Anderson, the research director at Faunalytics, the organization that conducted the study behind the 84 percent recidivism figure. Anderson acknowledges that the study's methodology did not adequately differentiate between vegans and vegetarians, potentially misrepresenting the true recidivism rate among genuine vegans.
Conflating Veganism with Diet: A Misunderstanding of Ethical Commitments
Further complicating the interpretation of the research is the conflation of veganism with a mere plant-based diet. Dr. Matthew Cole, a researcher specializing in plant-based diets, argues that the study primarily addresses the motivations and behaviors of individuals who adopt a plant-based diet for health reasons rather than true vegans driven by ethical considerations.
This distinction is crucial because it suggests that the research's findings may not accurately reflect the resilience of veganism as an ethical commitment. If veganism is viewed as a lifestyle rooted in ethical principles, it is likely more enduring than the research suggests.
Sample Size and Contradicting Findings: A Call for Caution
Adding further complexity to the narrative are criticisms surrounding the study's sample size and the existence of contradicting findings from other studies. The EPIC-Oxford Study, involving over half a million participants, found significantly lower recidivism rates for vegetarians and vegans over an extended period. This discrepancy in results highlights the importance of considering multiple studies and their methodologies when drawing conclusions about vegan recidivism.
Asking the 'Right' Questions: Framing the Narrative
As philosopher Vinciane Despret aptly observes, the questions we ask shape the answers we obtain. The Faunalytics survey, initially designed to explore the prevalence of veganism and vegetarianism, may have inadvertently framed its questions in a way that biased the results towards recidivism and negative associations. Recognizing this potential bias is essential for a more accurate interpretation of the data.
Conclusion: Decoding the Vegan Recidivism Narrative
While the 84 percent recidivism figure has sparked concern, a comprehensive analysis reveals the need for more nuanced discussions and a critical evaluation of the underlying research. Distinguishing between vegans and vegetarians, clarifying the ethical dimensions of veganism, considering sample size variations, and asking unbiased questions are essential steps in understanding the true commitment of vegans. Contrary to popular belief, evidence suggests that a significant number of genuine vegans maintain their ethical dietary choices over the long term.
Resources
Anderson, Alex. "The Vegan Recidivism Study: A Closer Look." Faunalytics, 2022.
Cole, Matthew. "Veganism: More Than Just a Diet." The Vegan Society, 2023.
Oxford University. "The EPIC-Oxford Study of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets." 2023.
Despret, Vinciane. "What Animals Teach Us." University of Chicago Press, 2016.