Social theory and infant feeding
1Mother & Child Health Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. l.amir@latrobe.edu.au.
International Breastfeeding Journal
|June 17, 2011
Summary
Understanding infant feeding requires social science research. Pierre Bourdieu's theories offer a valuable framework for exploring the role of infant feeding within the family context.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Efforts to increase breastfeeding rates over decades have yielded varied success.
- A deeper understanding of infant feeding's role within the family is needed.
- Existing food and nutrition research has found Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework beneficial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework.
- To suggest the application of Bourdieu's theories in infant feeding research.
- To encourage social science researchers to explore infant feeding dynamics.
Main Methods:
- This is an editorial, not a research study.
- It introduces concepts from Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework.
- It proposes a theoretical approach for future research.
Main Results:
- The editorial introduces Bourdieu's ideas.
- It highlights the potential utility of Bourdieu's framework for infant feeding studies.
- It suggests a direction for future social science research in this area.
Conclusions:
- Social science research is crucial for understanding infant feeding within families.
- Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical framework provides a potentially valuable lens for this research.
- Further investigation applying these theories to infant feeding is recommended.
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