Refereed journal article or data article (A1)
Priorities for social science and humanities research on the challenges of moving beyond animal-based food systems
List of Authors: Morris Carol, Kaljonen Minna, Aavik Kadri, Balázs Bálint, Cole Matthew, Coles Ben, Efstathiou Sophia, Fallon Tracey, Foden Mike, Giraud Eva Haifa, Goodman Mike, Kershaw Eleanor Hadley, Helliwell Richard, Hobson-West Pru, Häyry Matti, Jallinoja Piia, Jones Mat, Kaarlenkaski Taija, Laihonen Maarit, Lähteenmäki-Uutela Anu, Kupsala Saara, Lonkila Annika, Martens Lydia, McGlacken Renelle, Mylan Josephine, Niva Mari, Roe Emma, Twine Richard, Vinnari Markus, White Richard
Publisher: SPRINGERNATURE
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Humanities & social sciences communications
Journal name in source: HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS
Journal acronym: HUM SOC SCI COMMUN
Article number: ARTN 38
Volume number: 8
Issue number: 1
Number of pages: 12
eISSN: 2662-9992
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/s41599-021-00714-z
URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-021-00714-z
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/53411157
Increasingly high-profile research is being undertaken into the socio-environmental challenges associated with the over-production and consumption of food from animals. Transforming food systems to mitigate climate change and hidden hunger, ensure food security and good health all point to reducing animal-based foods as a key lever. Moving beyond animal-based food systems is a societal grand challenge requiring coordinated international research by the social sciences and humanities. A 'selective openness' to this range of disciplines has been observed within multi-discipline research programmes designed to address societal grand challenges including those concerned with the sustainability of food systems, inhibiting the impact of social sciences and humanities. Further, existing research on animal-based foods within these disciplines is largely dispersed and focused on particular parts of food systems. Inspired by the 'Sutherland Method' this paper discusses the results of an iterative research prioritisation process carried out to enhance capacity, mutual understanding and impact amongst European social sciences and humanities researchers. The process produced 15 research questions from an initial list of 100 and classified under the following five themes: (1) debating and visioning food from animals; (2) transforming agricultural spaces; (3) framing animals as food; (4) eating practices and identities; and (5) governing transitions beyond animal-based food systems. These themes provide an important means of making connections between research questions that invite and steer research on key challenges in moving beyond animal-based food systems. The themes also propose loci for future transdisciplinary research programmes that join researchers from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities and stakeholders from beyond academia to develop cooperative research and implementation initiatives. The experiences gained from the prioritisation process draw attention to the value of spending time to discuss and collaboratively steer research enquiry into emergent and controversial matters of concern. Fundamental, ethical questions around the continuation or complete cessation of the use of animals for food was a key tension. The positioning of research towards these questions affects not only the framing of the research area but also the partners with whom the research can be carried out and for whom it may be of benefit.
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