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- Title
Edible Insects in Slavic Culture: Between Tradition and Disgust.
- Authors
Orkusz, Agnieszka; Orkusz, Martyna
- Abstract
Simple Summary: The research on the cultural aversion to eating insects in Western countries provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and consumption patterns. By exploring the cultural norms, historical practices, and symbolic associations related to insects, the study sheds light on why most people in Western societies find it difficult to accept insects as a food source. This research contributes to existing consumer research knowledge by delving into the roots of disgust and negative perceptions surrounding insect consumption. It situates itself within the broader context of cultural and historical influences, examining the impact of Slavic folk culture, biblical references, and symbolism associated with specific insect species. This comprehensive approach enhances understanding of the multifaceted nature of disgust towards insects as a potential food source. The research is relevant to academia and non-academic constituents, such as policymakers, food industries, and cultural influencers. Understanding the cultural and psychological barriers to insect consumption can guide marketing strategies, product development, and public awareness campaigns to promote alternative protein sources. Policymakers may use these findings to address regulatory hurdles and promote the acceptance of insect-based products in Western markets. Insects are a conventional food in many cultures worldwide. Why therefore are they treated with aversion by the majority of people in Western countries? The aim of this work is to understand cultural norms and historical practices related to insects that can explain why in the countries of the West it is so difficult to accept them as a foodstuff, and why the disgust that they arouse is more common than in other regions of the world. Insects in Western countries are associated with negative experiences resulting from cultural and religious beliefs, traditions, stories, myths and individual experiences. Although there are species of insect that have positive associations, the high number of negative terms popularized the negative image of these creatures in people's minds, as a result of which the concept of insects as a foodstuff arouses disgust in the culture of the West. Understanding the aversion to insects will contribute to the broader understanding of consumer attitudes, cultural influences on consumption, or potential shifts in food choices. It also can help develop strategies or methods that will assist in changing this reluctance and encourage the utilization of insects as a food source.
- Subjects
POLAND; EDIBLE insects; INSECT rearing; AVERSION; CONSUMER behavior; CONSUMER attitudes; FOOD consumption
- Publication
Insects (2075-4450), 2024, Vol 15, Issue 5, p306
- ISSN
2075-4450
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/insects15050306