Multidimensional Food Poverty: Evidence from Low-Income Single Mothers in Contemporary Japan

Area of Science:

• Sociology of Food
• Capability Approach
• Socioeconomic Studies

Background:

• Food poverty is often narrowly defined by economic resource deprivation.
• Understanding the lived experiences of vulnerable populations is crucial for effective policy.
• Low-income single mothers represent a key demographic facing significant socioeconomic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the eating practices and norms of low-income single mothers in Japan.
• To identify factors contributing to the gap between dietary norms and actual practices.
• To analyze the multidimensional aspects of food deprivation beyond mere quantity.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with nine low-income single mothers in major Japanese urban areas.
• Utilized the capability approach and sociology of food frameworks for analysis.
• Examined nine dimensions of eating: frequency, place, timing, duration, company, procurement, quality, content, and pleasure.

Main Results:

• Mothers experienced deprivation across multiple capability dimensions, including spatial, temporal, qualitative, and affective aspects, not just quantity and nutrition.
• Identified eight non-financial factors influencing eating capabilities: time, maternal health, parenting, children's preferences, gender norms, cooking skills, food aid, and local food environment.
• Challenged the simplistic view of food poverty as solely an economic issue.

Conclusions:

• Food poverty among low-income single mothers in Japan is a complex issue encompassing various capability deprivations.
• Effective interventions require a holistic approach, extending beyond financial aid and food provision.
• Policy and social support must address the interconnected social, environmental, and personal factors affecting mothers' eating capabilities.