SOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD SELECTION
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Monday, February 17, 2014
Vol XCIII, No. 311
S O C I A L I N T E R A C T I O N
IMI
A B O U T
THE MEDIA AS A SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF FOOD CHOCE
- the media has a big role on our food choices, as food adverts and what you should be eating is posted everywhere
- models and actors in food commercials are also the image of health and have good bodies making the consumer want to purchase that food product over another even if its nutritional value is not as good.
- food companies often do not talk about the nutritional value but by the showing the healthy models people are subconsciously thinking that could be them
- food has been a symbol for friendship hospitality for a long time, when friends or acquaintances enter your home the immediate reaction is to offer them food and water
- food helps to crease a relaxed atmosphere and can work at an ice breaker
- there are also social expectations when it comes to events based around food such as if you were invited to a barbeque you would expect to be served steak or sausages, with a side of salad or two
PEER GROUPS
- individuals with peer groups around the same age are influenced greatly by others
- an individual will create their own beliefs, attitudes and habits, but they will be influences by those around them; family and friends
- the need for acceptance within teenagers makes them eat what their friends eat rather than what their parents think or what is nutritionally sound and good for them
- sharing foods and trying new things can help people become closer with new people can help to cement friendships
- peer pressure can also encourage teens to try fad diets.
L I F E S T Y L E
ELLA
EMPLOYMENT
- active jobs require the worker to eat a high carbohydrate diet
- sedentary work must eat a balanced diet and esure they do not overeat
- employment impacts on food selection as it means there is more money to spend on food
The cultures and societies that people live in, along with the type of contact that individuals have with one another (social factors), influence food choices.
The importance of beliefs and traditions have been observed by the media through everyday life. We are influenced to make certain food choices through the connectivity that we have with each other. Through this we are influenced by people all around the world.
EDUCATION
- all students are educated about food preperation, meal planning, food saftey and presentation
- government programs, magazines and television shows are educating the general public about food choices and nutrition
- all these factors are contributing to society making wiser food selections
HOUSEHOLD STRUCTURES AND ROLES
- a family unit makeup can determine the variety, quality an quantity of food in a meal
- e.g. young children have sensitive taste buds so the food preperation must take this into account
- personal likes and dislikes are often the most important factor in food selection within a household
- setting healthy eating habits in a household is important
- family member various commitments can affect when meals are eaten
HOSPITALITY AT HOME
- visitors welcomed into the household for a drink or meal is known as family hospitality such as smaller dinner parties
- however, family entertaining is becoming less frequent due to other work commitments and takeaway meals are being ordered.
C U L T U R E A N D T R A D I T I O N S
C L I M A T E A N D G E O G R A P H I C L O C A T I O N
ANNIE
CARA
1. If the climate is tropical then growing sugar cane, pineapples, bananas and coconuts is perfect and these foods will be cheaper
2. While we import a wide variety of food, it should be noted that locally grown food is cheaper and fresher
3. In developing nations however, this i not the case where modern production methods and equipment cold and dry storage and refrigerated transport are not readily available.
4. Climate no only affects the type of food grown in ana area but also the food choices people make.
Traditions are customs that have been passed down through people from generation to generation.
Many traditions are celebrated through foods.
Festive social occasions always involve food, usually it is the mean that is the focus of the event. Family traditions often revolve around food, as do major social and cultural customs. For Example: Easter - A time of giving and receiving chocolate eggs and bunnies