How French children food representations and tastes vary according to their social backgrounds

A Study of Disparities in Food Habitus

Bibliographic Data

ID3658563
AuthorsLouis Lebredonchel (0000-0002-0926-1106, CERREV, UR3918, University of Caen Normandy, Caen, France, corresponding author), Anthony Fardet (0000-0003-4972-9217, INRAE, Human Nutrition Unit, University Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume32
Issue2
Pages213-227
Publication date2023-05-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Sociology Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1446-1242 • E-ISSN: 1839-3551
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14461242.2022.2148832
PMID36473139
OpenAlexW4311654240
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited28

The diet of individuals is influenced by social and cultural factors. Children's food tastes and representations, being principally transmitted by their parents, are likely to depend on their social backgrounds. As it is known that parents' feeding strategies and food education differ depending on their social positions, this study aimed at examining how food representations and tastes vary among children. A qualitative sociological study, using semi-structured interviews, was conducted with 40 children, aged from 9 to 11 years, from four French elementary schools. Results showed that children from disadvantaged social backgrounds mentioned less foods, seemed to have a less varied diet, to consume less vegetables, and to enjoy eating ultra-processed foods more than other children. Different food habitus were found, that can be put into perspective using Bourdieu's distinction theory, including different preoccupations regarding health and necessity among social groups. Disparities in children's food habitus could be theoretically linked with observed and growing social inequalities in health, when taking into consideration the potential practises that these habitus imply, and their probable effects on health. Participatory food education classes at school could aim to reduce such disparities, although some concerns and limits must be acknowledged

Citizen journalism · Cultural capital · Developmental psychology · Disadvantaged · Economic growth · Food choice · Habitus · Inequality · Political science · Practice theory · Qualitative research · Social class · Social inequality · Social science · Sociology · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Culinary Culture and Tourism · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Social Psychology

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