The main limitation here, I think, is that “personal conversation” remains a black box. What kind of arguments were put forward in these conversations? Or, was it arguments at all, or rather seeing the behavioral example of others?
But there exists research on this which is illuminating and can shed light on these questions. Robert Frank’s “Under the influence” is a very good primer on these mechanisms, I think. Good podcast/intro here: Peer pressure and social change—WHYY
Indeed, the personal conversation is a bit of a black box and in open responses people gave to provide more information, most did not note specific content or arguments but rather just the type of person it was—often family members, partners, and close friends. It doesn’t necessarily seem like the conversations were in the form of people trying to ‘convince’ them or argue with them about becoming vegetarian
Thanks a lot, this was very useful to me!
The main limitation here, I think, is that “personal conversation” remains a black box. What kind of arguments were put forward in these conversations? Or, was it arguments at all, or rather seeing the behavioral example of others?
But there exists research on this which is illuminating and can shed light on these questions. Robert Frank’s “Under the influence” is a very good primer on these mechanisms, I think. Good podcast/intro here: Peer pressure and social change—WHYY
Glad you’ve found it useful!
Indeed, the personal conversation is a bit of a black box and in open responses people gave to provide more information, most did not note specific content or arguments but rather just the type of person it was—often family members, partners, and close friends. It doesn’t necessarily seem like the conversations were in the form of people trying to ‘convince’ them or argue with them about becoming vegetarian
Thanks, very interesting!
You should ask people themselves what reasons would convince them.