Food choice and family context

Principal Investigator:

Paul Bissell (ScHARR); Elizabeth Goyder (ScHARR)

Researcher:

Lindsay Blank

Aims and objectives:

This project will examine the food choices of families living in contrasting socio-economic areas (an ex coal-mining village, deprived inner city area, affluent suburb and rural area) and from different ethnic backgrounds (including first, second and third generations). The project aims to identify the issues that govern the food choice within families and the degree to which family attitudes towards food are eroded by current lifestyle circumstances. The project will also explore how immigrant families adapt to new cultures around food and meals, where food is purchased and by whom, and how much influence age at immigration or that of other family members has on the decision making process.

Research questions:

• What external factors influence food choices in families from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds?
• To what extent are family values in relation to food eroded by current lifestyle circumstances?
• How do families in diverse communities respond to change, including changing messages and advice around food?
• To what extent does level of acculturation influence food choices in ethnic minority families?

Research design:

Qualitative study of the factors influencing food choice in families from different socio-economic areas and from different ethnic backgrounds in Sheffield.