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Updated: May 31, 2026
04:56
Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
Re-imagining the 'social' in the nutrition sciences.
Lisa Schubert1, Danielle Gallegos, Wendy Foley
1School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, Queensland 4006, Australia. L.Schubert@sph.uq.edu.au
Public Health Nutrition
|July 7, 2011
Summary
This study advocates for integrating a central social dimension into nutrition sciences, moving beyond viewing social factors as mere contributors. This approach enhances public health nutrition through socially engaged nutrition sciences (SENS).
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Social Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The Giessen Declaration highlights the need for a stronger social dimension in nutrition sciences.
- Current 'social nutrition' research is often positioned as a secondary contributor rather than a central element.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for a more fully described and integrated social dimension within nutrition sciences.
- To explore the concept of socially engaged nutrition sciences (SENS) and its potential value.
- To critique the current positioning of social nutrition research.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of disciplinary fields, epistemologies, and methodologies contributing to SENS.
- Critique of the existing placement of 'social nutrition' within the broader nutrition sciences.
- Outline of implications for policy and practice stemming from a redefined role of the social dimension.
Main Results:
- Broad acceptance exists for the social dimension's role in public health nutrition analyses and interventions.
- The study asserts that the social dimension should be considered central, not just a contributor, to nutrition sciences.
- Potential policy and practice implications of this central role are identified.
Conclusions:
- A call for researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to re-imagine social science's role in nutrition.
- Emphasizes the need for socially engaged nutrition sciences (SENS) for improved outcomes.
- Advocates for a paradigm shift where social inquiry is integral to nutrition science delivery.
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