Gaby
Men tend to eat meat more often than women, according to researchers from the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Interestingly, this dietary gap widens as a country’s level of development increases. Moreover, the differences in meat consumption are generally more pronounced in countries with higher levels of gender equality. For instance, in the United Kingdom, where gender equality is relatively high, British men consume significantly more meat compared to women.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers examined the differences in meat consumption between men and women across countries with varying levels of social and economic development. This development was measured by life expectancy, educational attainment, gross national income, and gender equality.
In total, the team analyzed data from 20,802 individuals of both genders from 23 countries in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. All participants reported their gender and frequency of meat consumption.
According to the researchers, a higher level of gender equality and country development may indicate that women have more freedom to opt out of meat consumption. In contrast, nothing stops men from buying and eating meat more frequently, as reported by the Independent.
The results showed that in places where men and women had more choices due to better financial situations and progressive views on gender norms, the habits of different genders varied more significantly.
Professor Christopher Hopwood, the lead author of the study, noted, “The conclusion of our research is that the differences in meat consumption are greater in countries with higher levels of economic and human development and gender equality.”
Key Findings
Thus, the study confirmed that, with the exception of China, India, and Indonesia, men generally eat meat more frequently than women.
The researchers also observed that the differences in meat consumption were greater in countries with high levels of gender equality and socio-economic development. The most significant disparities were noted in Germany, Argentina, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
According to the data collected, in more developed countries, both men and women tend to eat meat more often than residents of less developed nations.
Thailand, China, the United States, and Spain emerged as the countries where the population consumes the most meat.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
