**Terminology and Definitions**:
– The term ‘Vegaphobia’ was introduced by French Veggie Pride activists in 2011.
– British sociologists also coined the terms ‘Vegaphobia’ and ‘vegaphobic’ in 2011.
– ‘Veganphobia’ emerged later to represent prejudice against vegans.
– ‘Vegaphobia’ encompasses aversion towards both vegans and vegetarians.
– Jola Cora introduced ‘Vegephobia’ in 2013, referring to dual aversion.
**Attitudes and Perceptions**:
– Vegans often face mockery in media and pop culture.
– Studies show negative perceptions of vegans compared to vegetarians.
– A significant percentage of vegans encounter anti-vegan prejudice.
– Some meat-eaters fear stigmatization when considering a vegan diet.
– Gender stereotypes exist around masculinity and veganism.
**Causes and Factors Contributing to Vegaphobia**:
– Negative attitudes towards vegans are prevalent in conservative and right-wing groups.
– Vegans are perceived as a threat by older, less educated individuals.
– Social dominance orientation correlates with negative views of vegans.
– The ‘meat paradox’ theory suggests vegans challenge meat eaters’ beliefs.
– Vegaphobia can stem from feeling judged by vegans for eating meat.
**Vegaphobic Acts and Discrimination**:
– Instances of discrimination against vegans in workplaces have been reported.
– Discriminatory job adverts against vegans have been documented.
– Vegans have faced exclusion and discrimination in various contexts.
– McDonald’s faced backlash for mislabeling vegetarian French fries.
– A significant number of vegan employees in the UK feel discriminated against.
**Legal Protection and Social Reactions**:
– UK courts have recognized veganism as a philosophical belief.
– Discrimination against vegans is considered unlawful.
– Nearly half of vegans report feeling discriminated against at work.
– Vegan masculinity is a topic of interest in social movements.
– Vegans have rights that are protected by law, including recognition of ethical veganism.
Vegaphobia, vegephobia or veganophobia is an aversion to, or dislike of, vegetarians and vegans. The term first appeared in the 2010s, coinciding with the rise in veganism in the late 2010s. Several studies have found an incidence of vegaphobic sentiments in the general population. Positive feelings regarding vegetarians and vegans also exist. Because of their diet, others may perceive them as more virtuous or principled.