Rasprostranjenost i javna percepcija vegetarijanstva i veganstva

Although research on vegetarianism and veganism (veg*ism) has expanded significantly, cross-national studies of its general perception remain limited. This study empirically analyses nationally representative samples from Slovenia and Croatia. The results indicate the dominance of meat-based culture in both countries, with veg*ism remaining a marginal phenomenon. Public attitudes towards veg*ism are largely negative, although slightly less so in Croatia than in Slovenia. Cluster analysis reveals three distinct groups: those strongly dismissive, those moderately favourable, and an intermediate group that is not persuaded by the arguments for giving up animal products but is the least critical of the practice of veganism itself, suggesting that personal rejection of its reasoning does not necessarily equate to rejection of the practice. In Croatia, the dismissive group is notably smaller and the favourable group larger than in Slovenia. Women and younger people in both countries have less negative attitudes towards veganism. Education plays a significant role only in Slovenia, where more educated individuals are more receptive to classical arguments for veg*ism and less averse to veganism. Finally, we propose a short set of questions that could be included in one of the large periodic international surveys to allow for a comprehensive assessment of the social and cultural dimensions of veg*ism and its perception across different societies and cultures