Speaking of Psychology Meat and morality: Will people eat lab-grown meat? With Matti Wilks, PhD, and Daniel Rosenfeld, PhD
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Apr 16, 2025 Matti Wilks, a psychology lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, and Daniel Rosenfeld, a postdoctoral scholar at UCLA, delve into the psychology behind dietary choices, particularly regarding lab-grown meat. They explore how moral values, disgust, and societal perceptions influence consumer acceptance. The discussion touches on the potential environmental benefits of cultured meat, ethical dilemmas in traditional meat production, and surprising gender dynamics in meat consumption preferences. Their insights reveal the complex interplay between personal beliefs and food choices.
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Consumer Willingness to Try Cultured Meat
- About two-thirds of people say they would try cultured meat, but fewer would eat it regularly.
- Enthusiasm exists, yet many consumers remain reluctant to fully adopt it in their diet.
Moral Concerns About Cultured Meat
- Moral opposition to cultured meat often arises from perceiving it as unnatural or "playing God."
- This sense of violating natural order triggers feelings of disgust and moral rejection.
Vegetarians' Disgust Toward Cultured Meat
- Vegetarians show more disgust toward cultured meat than meat eaters, reducing their willingness to try it.
- This disgust appears physical rather than moral, linked to vegetarians' aversion to meat generally.