Communitarianism and the Art of Butchering

Communitarianism and the Art of Butchering Melisa Nubile Marcy Heldt Naomi West Travis Franklin

IntroductionIntroductionBackgroundGuiding Theoretical FrameworkPurpose of InvestigationMethodologyDesignSampleAnalysisFindingsConclusion

Eat Steak (1990)

The Reverend Horton Heat

Annually, Americans consume 117 lbs. of meat per person. (Larson, 2012)

Background on Topic

Role of the butcher: nourish the community

BackgroundThe 1980s saw a noticeable decline in butchers

When a town loses its butcher, it loses the natural order of things. It loses heart. ONeille, 1998

BackgroundAdverse impacts include:Steep decline in qualityIncreases in GMOs and a plethora of additivesDevastating environmental impactsExtreme animal abuse and crueltyQuality, locally raised meat replaced with this

Before you get this

BackgroundThis happens to the meat:

Environmental:

BackgroundFortunately, people are beginning recognize this model is not sustainable. There is a return to community.

With the increased awareness, butchers are making a comeback.

Next Generation Butchers

Guiding Theoretical FrameworkCommunitarian Values (Gardner)1. A Common Goal/Shared Vision2. Core Values that Set Expectations3. Cooperation Among Members4. Strong Level of Participation5. Affirming One Another Through a Shared History6. Shared Governance to Maintain Order

Guiding Theoretical FrameworkForces at Work in Communities

Centripetal (Forces that Pull In)

Centrifugal (Forces that Push Out)

Importance and RationaleThe healthy balance locally and family owned organizations add to a community.

Importance and RationaleConvenience is not always better.

Importance and RationaleChain stores also affected the meat industry, especially independently owned butchers and farms. (Kita, 2012)

Communities who support their local butchers are also supporting their local farms. (Johnson, 2012)

Farms are dying along with local/family owned shops due to mass markets.

Purpose/Question in InvestigationGiven that:Communitarianism is a shared concern for the common good, andAll citizens in a community should accept a collective responsibility

Do the external communications practices of three local organizations in the meat cutting industry promote sustainability within the communitarian framework?

PurposeCriteria for butchers selection:- Local to the region

- Privately or employee owned

- Farm-raised vs. Factory-raised animals

EthnographyGo beyond what is seen or said to what is meant or implied (Neuman, 2006, p. 381)

MethodologyPhase One: Employed a triangulation approach to explore the explicit communication practices of the three featured organizations

Phase Two: Narrowed the scope to examine the implicit communications practices of one of the featured organizations

DesignResearch Question 1:Do the explicit communication practices of three local organizations in the cutting industry; Tims Special Cut Meats, Eggers Meat Market and Yokes promote sustainability within the context of communitarianism?Research Question 2:Do the implicit communication practices with the single organization, Tims Special Cut Meats, promote sustainability within the context of communitarianism?

SamplePhase 1: Virtual Sample

Tims Special Cut Meats

Eggers Meat Market

Yokes Fresh Market

SamplePhase II: Tims Special Cut Meats

Instrumentation/Theoretical ScriptCommunitarian Principles:1. Participate in the economies of the community by purchasing locally raised meat, feed and any other products related to the raising of the livestock2. External communication is in line with values held by the majority of the community3. Strive to improve the quality of life through business practices and presence in the community

Analysis

Analysis

Findings and DiscussionNow Walmart or Costco can be found in almost every city and these large chain stores are driving locally owned businesses to close their door. (Shepard and White, 2005)

Findings and DiscussionTims Special Cut MeatsLocal butcher in Coeur dAleneLimited information on websiteThrough talking with locals almost everyone had heard of Tim or had purchased meatBBQ cook-offs throughout the spring & summer allow people to sample meat and tell others about Tims meat

Findings and DiscussionEggers Better MeatsEggers was founded by John EggerFamily-owned since 1935Offers a variety of meats as well as a deli atmosphereAll Eggers had Facebook pages as well as websites

Findings and DiscussionsYokes Fresh MarketsHas 9 stores in Eastern WA and 2 in North IdahoUses locally grown productsWebsite was brief regarding their meat departmentKenny the meat guy does a monthly blogUntil one examines the products one cannot be certain of the quality

Conclusion (Tims)Research Question 1:Do the explicit communication practices of three local organizations in the cutting industry; Tims Special Cut Meats, Eggers Meat Market and Yokes promote sustainability within the context of communitarianism?

Research Question 2:Do the implicit communication practices with the single organization, Tims Special Cut Meats, promote sustainability within the context of communitarianism?

Conclusion (Tims)Communitarian Principles:1. Participate in the economies of the community by purchasing locally raised meat, feed and any other products related to the raising of the livestock2. External communication is in line with values held by the majority of the community3. Strive to improve the quality of life through business practices and presence in the community