In the past ten years, veganism has made enormous strides and is about to take its place the midst of society. Though the actual number of vegans is still very small, the keeping and the exploitation of animals are widely discussed.

In my presentation, I want to talk about the concept of carnism and its limits. I want to engage in the notion of ideology as a sociological rather than as a psychological concept. This includes the consideration of the social and material conditions we live in. What, then, does it mean to be vegan in a capitalistic and (neo)liberal society? How is it possible that more and more people become vegetarian or vegan but the numbers of animals killed each year is not decreasing? How is it possible that so many people demand better conditions for the animals and claim to be empathetic, but still continue to use animal products?

I also want to ask the question where the vegan and animal rights movement is going and what implications this might have, especially with respect to the renunciation of the political and ethical claim of veganism.