The Sociology of Food and Nutrition - Socio-Economic Status and Food Choice - Essay Example

Running head: FOOD AND HEALTH Reply and Reflection of Four Post Covering Food and Nutrition Name Course Information Professor Information Date Due Post 1: Cultural Conflict Reply Cultural conflict has been defined in different ways by scholars. The definition by Berns and Atran (2012, p. 2), which has been identified in this post, is supported by the definition given by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary which presents cultural conflict as a clash between patterns of behaviour and accepted values( Merriam-Webster, 2013). The post on cultural conflict enabled group members to discuss on the broad concept of culture. Culture is the aspect that gives meaning to life and it is something that comes over a period of time (The power of culture, 2008). It is evident from the posting that culture is a complex phenomenon that extends beyond the life and activities of one individual. It refers to unique characteristics of a group of people. Consequently, cultural conflict will occur when there are major differences in cultures. The discussion furthered to identification of the fact that conflict is normal in the day-to-day life of human beings. Due to diversity, it is acceptable that conflicts in every society exist and the most critical factor is how to handle the conflict. In some other levels, it can be argued that conflict is a necessary aspect of life. This conflict may present itself in several ways ranging from discrimination to outright segregation. Response to conflict will ultimately determine the range, level and intensity of conflict within a given people (The power of culture, 2008). The posting was a revelation to the big role played by language in the context of culture. Language is a means through which human beings communicate. Confusion arises when people speak different languages as they may assign different meanings to given words hence bringing about confusion and conflict. When examining the language barrier between aborigines and health care professionals, the issue of combating illiteracy as a means of eradicating this gap was identified. Cultural conflict is more predominant in societies with people of various cultural origins. In such societies, there is little harmony because of less similarity in terms of views beliefs and ideas. The best approach is for professionals in such areas to try to overcome the language difficulty by learning the languages of cultures in their area of operation. Reflection I have benefitted immensely from the posting and through subsequent discussion with fellow students. I have learnt a lot about culture and conflict. The concept of culture and conflict enabled me to appreciate the diversity of our cultures and to accord due respect to each. The post on culture conflict stimulated my interest to know more about the topic. It made me review a lot of literature on culture and conflict. To this end, I discovered that the concept of culture is very broad and cannot be studied in one sitting. It is a wide concept, which encompasses the entire way of life of a given society. The topic has been beneficial to me in that it has moulded me to become better person. This is because I have been equipped with the understanding of concepts of culture and elements such as language, which may be a hindrance not only in organizational set up but also in our own society. With this understanding, I have consequently passed this knowledge to other colleagues hence contributing to the sharing of knowledge. Post 2: Socio-Economic Status and Food Choice Reply As population in the world continues to increase, resources continue being scarce. This has led to a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. While the rich are able to afford what they want, the poor have to struggle to survive. The differences are more pronounced when it comes to access to food. Darmon and Drewnowski (2008) appreciate the fact that morbidity and mortality rates in industrialized societies assume a socioeconomic gradient. Most diseases that afflict the disadvantaged in industrialized nations are directly linked with nutrition and diet. CATI Technical Reference Group (2003) reiterated that food choices or rather poor nutritional food depends on social and economic situation of a person or community. The article notes further that high rate of morbidity and mortality amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders group results from socio economic background. Those living in rural inaccessible regions suffer more compared with groups in urban centres. High unemployment rates, reduced range of employability because of illiteracy, reduced access to facilities and services and general uncertainty mainly describe rural locations. These elements were discussed in the posting on Socio-Economic Status and Food Choice. Economic condition of individuals has the capacity to determine access to education. As noted in the posting, low-income earners often cannot access education. as a result, they are not able to access quality food and knowledge on healthy living. Conversely, high-income earners can purchase any food in the market. Sampling out various fresh foods and fast food, it is perceptible that fresh foods are expensive. They are also tedious and complex in preparation compared with readymade takeaway food. A key factor in food preferences amongst different socioeconomic groups is income. Estimates by the National Food Survey Committee (1972) report have shown that persons with higher income tend to enjoy foods with improved nutritional status. On the other end, lower income earners are motivated by the need to fill the stomachs and not necessarily nutritional value. Secondly, it is essential to note that high-income group is knowledgeable on food types simply because they have gone through formal enlightenment process in school. As a result, they are able to identify nutrition rich food amongst the many available types of food in the market and prepare them well without losing nutritional contents. Reflection After reviewing the posting, I am convinced that social and economic condition of a person can dictate choice of food. Food choice is not only determined by age and sex but by occupation and education, and income levels. Consumption of whole grains observable amongst high social class and consumption of refined grains amongst low social economic class serves to confirm the assertion that socioeconomic condition plays a role in preferences. The posting have enable me reach an understanding that poverty prompts a chain of reaction in the sense that a poor individual cannot access education, nutrition knowledge, health food, services and facilities, and other pertinent requirements for a healthy living. It emerged from the posting that a society could influence food choices made by empowering the people economically. The basic starting point is education, which will equip a person with extensive assets not limited to employment and income but also knowledge in food preparation. Post 3: The Sociology of Food and Nutrition Reply This post visualized Sociology of Food and Nutrition as an exploration of how society tends to dictate type of food consumed. In agreement with this post, McIntosh (2002) asserts that Sociology of Food and Nutrition tackles the linkage that exists between human societies and their habits of consuming food. It stretches further to types of food consumed, procedures of preparing the food, attitudes that ultimately defines the culture. Sociology of Food and Nutrition further assesses trends in food or nutrition related diseases over the years. As an example, several nutrition related diseases that did not exist in the past have emerged in 21st century. Malnutrition, diabetes, cancer, and obesity are now common in the world. Sociology of Food and nutrition also serves to demonstrate class or cultural differentials. While some societies view obese person as rich and capable of affording some types of foods, other societies hold a view that obesity is shameful and a sign of irresponsibility particularly in eating habits. The writer of the third post highlighted the role played by critical events such as Christmas holiday in affecting type of food consumed. Most people tend to change their eating habits during this time. Sociology of Food and Nutrition comes in to study the impact of a social event, i.e. special holidays, on food and nutrition. The posting reiterates that special food was consumed during such special days. Otherwise, particular food was consumed daily with a sole objective of preventing hunger. This observation is true owing to the fact that societies are accustomed to eating a range of food for a long period and changing them only during a special event. Culturally, Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, marking the conclusion of pilgrimage. This is a period when different food is consumed. Some cultures do not allow consumption of meat. It therefore demonstrates how society shapes food and nutrition. Reflection The post on Sociology of Food and Nutrition has been very captivating because it tackles our daily lives. Food related diseases and issues have emerged in response to our changing way of life and interaction. Types of food in the market, processing of the food, attitude towards some food, cultural background of people and technology in operation i.e. genetically modified food have been changing. This element exemplifies trend in food consumption. Historically, natural and nutrition rich food was consumed but this have changed as people resort to technology and food processing. As an aspect of socialization, globalization tends to merge different culture consequently leading to emergence of a new way of life. Presently we often people navigate through websites in our hand held devices i.e. phones with a view to learn or explore new types of food and their preparation. As an example, fast foods have gained fame amongst working class and children. People love their sweat taste. Moreover, these foods are perceived by some societies as class food given that few people can afford to purchase the food. Nonetheless, fast food have been blamed for numerous diseases including heart related illness, obesity, and cancer. It has led to an increase in morbidity, mortality and has prompted organizations to sensitize families on food and nutrition. The post on sociology of food and nutrition therefore gives us an understanding of an interaction between society, food, and nutrition. Food Advertising Thoughts Reply The post concentrated on the aspect of convenience eating that characterizes the current busy society. This is true given that people have become very busy with economic activities hence leaving minimal time to assess food consumed. Briefly, parents currently spend more time working in their offices. Others have taken up second jobs in order to supplement their incomes. Difficult economic times have forced parents to allocate more time to income generating activities as opposed to food preparation. This trend not only affects parents but their children as well, who have opted to fast food in schools because parents cannot spare time to prepare food. In taking advantage of children who have their own pocket money school and who are influential in the kind of purchases made by parents, advertisers in Australia execute targeting strategies. McDonalds and other renowned fast food chains are known to capitalize on this nature of customers especially children to perpetuate customer loyalty. Besides the aspect of a busy society, it is important to be acquainted with target advertisement conducted mainly on Australian television. Food advertising, particularly on television has become an area of concern for policy makers and health organizations. Children, who are vulnerable groups, often encounter food advertisement majorly on television. Neville et al (2005) found out that more than half of all food advertisements were on confectionery and fast food restaurants. These advertisements were conducted during children's TV viewing hours. This confirms that most fast food advertisement target vulnerable groups, i.e. groups who love sugary foods. Compared with adult programs, more confectionery and fast food advertisements were done during children programs hence the need to develop policies that serves to protect children against such unhealthy food. Hebden et al (2011) highlighted the need improve measures that protect children from harmful advertisement. The researchers called for stringent policies to regulate type of foods advertised directly to children, quantities, and nutritional values. Reflection The post pointed out inadequacy of advertisement self-regulation in Australia but failed to give a way forward. These regulations were done through Children’s Television Standards 2009 and the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice 2010. Children’s Television Standards for example fail to outline volume of unhealthy food to advertise directly to children. Additionally, CTS is minimally applied and do not cover programs such as The Simpsons. Children’s Television Standards, CTS, is also not sensitive to period during which children tend to watch television. These codes appear to be a responsible conduct of business but fail to regulate exposure of children to unhealthy food. Bearing this fact in mind, government intervention is necessary. This will be in form of law enactment to curb overweight, obesity, morbidity, and mortality related to unhealthy food advertisement. Taking the fight against unhealthy food to a higher notch, intensive advertisement ought to be conducted on healthy living and consequences that accompanies unhealthy diet. People should be well versed with knowledge on diseases resulting from bad eating habits to enable them make informed decisions. References Berns, G. S & Atran, S. (2012). The biology of cultural conflict. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society 367(2). doi: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0307. CATI Technical Reference Group (2003, May). Nutritional Food Behaviour in Australia. Retrieved 8 Aprial 2013 from http://www.nphp.gov.au/catitrg/nutritionbgpaper.pdf. Darmon, N., & Drewnowski, A. (2008). Does social class predict diet quality? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87 (5): 1107-1117. Hebden, L. A., Lesley, K., Anne, G., Bridget, K., & Kathy, C. (2011). Advertising of fast food to children on Australian television: the impact of industry self-regulation. Medical Journal Australia, 195 (1): 20-24. McIntosh, W. A. (2002). Sociologies of Food and Nutrition. New York: Springer Publishing. Merriam-Webster. (2013).Culture and conflict. Retrieved 8 April 2013 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture%20conflict. Neville, L., Thomas, M., & Bauman. A. (2005). Food advertising on Australian television: the extent of children's exposure. Health Promotion International, 20(2): 105-112. The power of culture. (2008).Culture and conflict. Retrieved 8 April 2013 from http://www.powerofculture.nl/en/specials/culture-and-conflict/Introduction Read More