Abstract
This paper discusses variegated scholarly approaches to what is here typified as a political economy of meat. Identified as a multifaceted, transdisciplinary and most dynamic field of research, inquiries into the political economy of meat imbricate key issues of social and economic development, across the human-animal divide. While some scholars interpret livestock production as “a pathway from poverty”, others observe deepened marginalization and exploitation. The argument raised in this paper is that concise engagement with multiple critical perspectives may facilitate further explorations into the social dynamics that characterize the political economy of meat.
Generated Summary
This review paper explores the political economy of meat, examining scholarly approaches that view meat production and consumption as a multifaceted and dynamic field. The study adopts a transdisciplinary approach to analyze the social, political, and economic dimensions of meat, recognizing its entanglement with issues of social and economic development, particularly across the human-animal divide. The paper synthesizes various scholarly perspectives, including those that interpret livestock production as a pathway to poverty and those that highlight marginalization and exploitation. The methodology involves a review of literature and critical analysis of existing research, focusing on the intersection of economic, social, and environmental factors within the global meat industry. The scope of the paper encompasses the historical context of meat production, the rise of the livestock revolution, the impacts of globalization, and the critical perspectives of various scholars on the subject.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Global meat consumption rose from 23 to 43 kg per year per person between 1961 and 2013.
- China and Brazil experienced the most rapid increases in meat consumption.
- Europe consumes a disproportionately large amount of animal-derived meat.
- In 2050, the loss of calories by feeding cereals to animals instead of using them directly as human food represents the annual calorie need for more than 3.5 billion people.
- An average citizen in the world’s 50 least developed countries still consumes less than 15 kg of meat per year.
Other Important Findings
- The paper identifies the political economy of meat as a contentious field, encompassing resistance to dominant economic arrangements and movements striving for equality and autonomy within food chains.
- The study highlights the role of the “Livestock Revolution” in reshaping meat production and consumption, focusing on how it offers opportunities for small-scale farmers but also leads to more capital-intensive technologies.
- The paper examines the role of standardization procedures in establishing uniform nutritional standards, which, in turn, are intended to improve animal welfare and food safety for low-income consumers.
- It explores the concept of commodification and its impact on the transformation of non-human animals into food products.
- The research emphasizes the intersectional approach, including the study of speciesism, sexism, racism, and ableism within the context of the political economy of meat.
- The paper discusses the “history-from-below” approach, highlighting the resistance of animals in human captivity.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The paper does not provide any primary research; the analysis is based on a review of existing scholarly works. Therefore, the findings are limited by the scope and perspectives of the reviewed studies.
- The paper acknowledges the potential for negative social outcomes associated with the Livestock Revolution but does not offer detailed empirical evidence to support these claims.
- The study’s focus is primarily on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the political economy of meat, and it lacks a detailed examination of specific case studies or empirical data.
- The paper concentrates mainly on scholarly debates and interpretations. The views of stakeholders (e.g., farmers, consumers) are largely represented through the lens of existing literature, potentially limiting the inclusion of diverse viewpoints.
Conclusion
The political economy of meat emerges as a complex field characterized by conflict, resistance, and diverse perspectives. The analysis reveals a critical understanding of the socio-economic implications of meat production and consumption. The review paper offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, and it underscores the importance of a transdisciplinary approach for a nuanced understanding of the field. The study advocates for examining the historical context and the rise of the livestock revolution, and it calls for acknowledging the interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors in shaping the global meat industry. The paper underscores the necessity of scrutinizing the ethical dimensions of meat production. The research’s concluding implication is that the study of the political economy of meat facilitates further explorations into the social dynamics that characterize it. This exploration involves recognizing the contentious nature of meat consumption, the impact of the livestock revolution, and the broader issues of social justice within the context of animal agriculture. The paper indicates that the political economy of meat is an inherently contentious field that requires a comprehensive and critical examination of the involved social, economic, and political dimensions. This examination would allow researchers to better understand the existing power structures and advocate for more ethical, sustainable, and equitable food systems. “From this critical perspective, the political economy of meat is fundamentally propelled by generating profit, not food… grounded on ideological bedrocks that establish non-human animals as property.”