Risk, responsibility and choice: food and eating in Irish second-level schools

Abstract

Dietary surveys reveal that young people follow ‘risky’ diets: low in fruit and vegetables; high in fat and sugar; with a preference for ‘junk foods’. These prac-tices and concerns about an ‘epidemic’ of childhood obesity form part of the wid-er debate on food risk. While the school is considered a site for risky food practic-es it is also regarded by policy makers as appropriate for health education and healthy eating interventions.

This thesis examines food risk issues in the context of school, for young people and for teachers, principals, caterers and parents in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It investigates how formal food and nutrition education relates to the social and physical food provision environment of schools that vary in terms of gender and school type.

A mixed method research design was applied within 10 second-level schools in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This generated quantitative data on food attitudes and practices. Qualitative techniques were then used to elicit de-tailed accounts from students, parents and other stakeholders about young peo-ple’s food consumption, school food provision and food and nutrition education.

Students and parents display normative eating practices. Stakeholders consider that young people’s food issues relate to the supply of ‘junk food’ and the com-mercialisation of diets. Inequities exist across complex food provision and food education systems that are constrained by deeply-embedded structural forces.

Greater connectedness between food providers, educators and consumers is re-quired, but this must be strategic, relevant and sustainable and take account of schools’ complexity. Education needs to address food environmental issues so that young people and parents are empowered in their food decisions.

Thesis is embargoed until 31st July 2008

Date of Award	Jul 2007
Original language	English
Sponsors	Safefood, the Food Safety Promotion Board
Supervisor	Michael Strain (Supervisor), BARBARA STEWART-KNOX (Supervisor), Dorothy Black (Supervisor) & Sean Strain (Supervisor)