Compromised values: a comparative response during the COVID-19 crisis by ethical vegans and vegetarians

Abstract

La defensa de los animales constituye un fenómeno social complejo en el que el veganismo y el vegetarianismo ocupan un papel central. Este estudio analiza cómo veganos y vegetarianos éticos respondieron durante la crisis de la COVID-19, especialmente ante el dilema moral asociado a las vacunas desarrolladas mediante experimentación animal. A partir de una encuesta cuantitativa internacional realizada entre junio y julio de 2021, la investigación compara actitudes, comportamientos y percepciones de ambos grupos respecto a la vacunación, la confianza institucional y la presión social. Los resultados muestran diferencias relevantes entre veganos y vegetarianos: los veganos manifestaron menor conformidad con las medidas adoptadas durante la pandemia, aunque finalmente aceptaron mayoritariamente la vacunación, comprometiendo parte de sus valores éticos. El estudio contribuye a comprender cómo las crisis sanitarias afectan a comunidades minoritarias con fuertes convicciones morales.

Animal advocacy is a complex social phenomenon in which veganism and vegetarianism play a central role. This study examines how ethical vegans and vegetarians responded during the COVID-19 crisis, particularly regarding the moral dilemma posed by vaccines developed through animal testing. Using data from an international quantitative survey conducted between June and July 2021, the research compares attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions related to vaccination, institutional trust, and social pressure. The findings reveal important differences between vegans and vegetarians: vegans showed lower conformity with pandemic-related measures, yet they ultimately accepted vaccination in large numbers, compromising part of their ethical values. The study contributes to a better understanding of how health crises affect minority groups with strong moral convictions and how these groups negotiate tensions between personal ethics and societal expectations.