Revisiting food insecurity gender disparity
Andres Silva1, Andres Astorga2, Rodrigo Faundez2
1Escuela de Nutricion y Dietetica, Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile.
Plos One
|August 15, 2023
Summary
Woman-headed households face greater food insecurity than man-headed ones. This disparity is linked to marital status and household composition, not income or education.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Economics
Background:
- Food insecurity disproportionately affects woman-headed households compared to man-headed households.
- Understanding the determinants of this gender disparity is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the gender disparity in household food security in Chile.
- To identify specific household characteristics associated with food insecurity in woman-headed households.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a nationally representative dataset from Chile.
- Statistical examination of the association between household head gender and food security status.
- Inclusion of variables such as marital status, household composition, income, and education.
Main Results:
- Household head gender disparity in food security is significantly associated with marital status (partnered vs. non-partnered).
- Household composition, specifically the presence of children or seniors, is linked to this gender disparity.
- Household income and educational attainment of the household head showed no strong association with the gender disparity in food security.
Conclusions:
- Marital status and household composition are key determinants of the gender disparity in food security.
- Interventions to mitigate food insecurity should consider these demographic factors.
- Further research can inform policy to address gender-based food insecurity.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
147
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
147
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
280
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
280
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
58
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
58
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
145
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
145
01:23Dietary Connections
51.2K
In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used...
51.2K
01:24Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
1.5K
During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
1.5K