Consumption, ethics and nature: veganism and the interfaces of a life politics

Abstract

This paper reflects on a movement that is getting amplitude, albeit silent, and integrates in the body of their claims a bold proposal for a ressignification of the relationship between humans and animals; it is the veganism. In general lines, veganism concerns a longing for the construction of an ethical postulate that recognizes animal rights and its inclusion in the moral community, and also a modus vivendi that projects to the centre of the debate a responsibility to the act of consumption (changes in lifestyle and eating habits). All these aspects are approached in this article based on theoretical and empirical research in websites, through an investigation of vegan groups and forums to talk about animal rights and veganism. It adds that the choice of such an object of research is due to the fact that we perceive in the constitution and the proposal of this movement, a social manifestation sui generis, revealing how different social groups are responding to the dilemmas that shape and impact today's society, especially with regard to the ethical position: how should we live?