Discursive Analysis of Anti-Vegan Individuals

Abstract

Veganism is a social identity that goes beyond a dietary choice. The social psychology and ideology of anti-vegan movements, as a group, is an important topic in the social sciences. This study aims to examine the comments made by anti-vegan individuals about vegans on Ekşi Sözlük, an online platform, using phenomenological discourse analysis. The use of language, style, discourse, and practices by vegans in their daily lives is interpreted in various ways by individuals who are against veganism. These interpretations have now become a social phenomenon rather than just a form of opposition. To gain a sociological understanding of veganism or vegan culture, it is crucial to analyze the discourse organizations of opposing groups regarding this community. This analysis reveals that anti-vegan individuals perceive vegans as 'radical', 'arrogant', 'angry', 'condescending', and 'intransigent'. The article aims to understand the sociological context between veganism and anti-veganism and to increase mutual understanding by shedding light on how emotions shape individuals' attitudes, behaviors, and social interactions.

Keywords: Veganism, Anti-veganism, Social Identity, Phenomenological Discourse Analysis, Ekşi Sözlük, Sociological Understanding, Discourse Organizations, Emotional Perceptions

JEL Classification: I31