“Sometimes you identify as a vegetarian, and sometimes you don’t”. Influences on Meat-Eating Practices Among Indian International Students

Meat-eating is the norm among many Western cultures, yet there are harmful ethical, health, and environmental impacts associated with its consumption. Unlike most Western countries, India’s meat consumption is low. This is shaped by long-standing Hindu teachings which advocate non-violence towards other life forms, and view meat as polluting for the body. However, India's meat consumption is on the rise, leading to a conflict between a desire to embrace new consumption practices and maintain tradition. Moving cultures and leaving the parental home are found to disrupt food habits, norms, and values. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the different influences, including such life transitions, on the abstinence and consumption of meat among Indian international students. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed using critical realist thematic analysis. Findings suggested morals influence some to view meat as disgusting and wrong leading to abstinence, whilst others dismiss the relevance of this and consume meat for convenience, health, and taste. Meat-eating practices were found to be context-dependent, influenced by location, peers, meat-eating norms, and convenience. Moving to university disrupted food habits; whilst participants’ dietary labels (e.g., vegetarian) remained the same, the quantity and frequency of meat consumption was found to change among some pre-existing meat-eaters. The findings have implications for designs of meat-reduction policy interventions and support for international students at university.