Vegan young people in England: An exploratory study on their identity, relationships and educational experiences

Aim(s): This study explores the identity, relationships, and educational experiences of vegan young people in England, investigating how their dietary and ethical choices influence their interactions within schools and broader social environments. The research aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how vegan young people experience inclusion, exclusion, and social interaction within educational contexts, including the extent to which they feel protected in relation to their vegan identity as a legally protected philosophical belief. Method/Rationale: A qualitative design was adopted, utilising in-depth interviews and image-based methods to elicit detailed accounts from 12 vegan young people aged 11 to 18. Participants were recruited via Facebook. Data were analysed using thematic and polytextual thematic analysis, capturing both individual and shared experiences while reflecting the complexity of participants’ perspectives. Findings: Four central themes were identified through the analysis: Balancing and Raising Awareness: Young people struggled with expressing their vegan identity while maintaining social harmony, often facing misunderstandings. Intergroup Relationships and Interactions: Peer relationships were sometimes strained by exclusion, ridicule, or stigma, leading to feelings of isolation. The School System: Institutional responses varied widely, with schools often lacking understanding of vegan needs, such as food provision and ethical accommodations. Protective Factors: Supportive relationships with family, friends, or teachers, alongside personal resilience, helped participants navigate challenges. Limitations: The study’s small and relatively homogeneous sample, alongside recruitment via online vegan communities, may limit the diversity of perspectives captured. As a qualitative study, the findings are not intended to be generalisable but instead offer an in-depth, contextually situated understanding of participants’ experiences, which may not fully reflect the experiences of all vegan young people. Conclusions: Vegan young people face distinct challenges in educational and social contexts. Schools must increase awareness, improve provisions, and foster inclusive environments to support the well-being and identity development of vegan students.