Men tend to consume more meat than women do.
In a study published in the journal "Scientific Reports," a team of researchers found that men tend to consume more meat than women, particularly in more developed and gender-equal countries. This behavior is not consistent across all countries, though.
According to the study led by Christopher Hopwood from the University of Zurich, men eat more meat than women, but this pattern isn't universal. Instead, the research team discovered that as a country becomes more advanced and gender equality increases, the difference in meat consumption between the sexes grows.
Usually, it is thought that with increased equality, the differences between the genders diminish. However, the study's results suggest the opposite: differences increase.
Choice is key in meat consumption
Why do men in more developed and gender-equal countries consume more meat than women? The team of researchers suggests it's because people have more opportunities to choose their own meals. In countries with greater gender equality, spouses can order different dishes at a restaurant because there's more money, more vegetarian options, and fewer societal restrictions.
In less developed countries, meat is relatively expensive, so it's eaten less. But when people can afford it and make their own decisions, men are more likely to choose meat like steak, sausage, and poultry. Women in wealthy and gender-equal countries might eat less meat than expected based on the combined effects of wealth and gender equality.
The researchers surveyed over 20,000 participants from 23 countries online about how often they eat meat. The participants came from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. The study revealed a significant difference in meat consumption between men and women in Germany, yet India, China, and Indonesia had relatively small differences.
The researchers didn't examine the specific reasons for meat consumption in their study. They did note, though, that in some cultures, meat consumption is associated with masculinity and potency. Vegetarian men can be perceived as less attractive than their meat-eating counterparts in certain societies. The amount of meat men choose can also depend on cultural norms.
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While the study found that men in developed and gender-equal countries consume more meat than women, this trend is not universal. The researchers attribute this behavior to increased opportunities for choice in meal selection, as couples in these countries have more financial resources, vegetarian options, and fewer societal restrictions.
In contrast, meat consumption in less developed countries is typically lower due to its cost. However, as wealth increases and gender equality advances, women in these countries might still eat less meat than expected based on societal norms and expectations.
Furthermore, cultural perceptions of meat consumption can also influence its consumption. In some societies, meat is associated with masculinity and potency, which may lead men to choose meat more frequently than women.
