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Social mobility beliefs lower preferences for genetically-modified foods
Eugene Y Chan1, Najam U Saqib2, Ali Gohary3
1Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada.
Appetite
|March 30, 2025
Summary
Social Mobility Beliefs (SMB) significantly impact consumer views on genetically-modified (GM) foods. Higher SMB lead to less favorable GM food preferences due to social norm adherence.
Area of Science:
- Consumer Behavior
- Food Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Consumer acceptance of genetically-modified (GM) foods is complex.
- Social Mobility Beliefs (SMB) may influence food choices.
- Understanding these drivers is crucial for sustainable food systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Social Mobility Beliefs (SMB) and consumer preference for genetically-modified (GM) foods.
- To determine if SMB causally influence GM food acceptance.
- To explore the moderating role of social norms.
Main Methods:
- Multi-study approach combining surveys and experimental manipulations.
- Study 1: Survey of 500 participants assessing SMB and GM food preferences.
- Studies 2 & 3: Experimental manipulation of SMB in 561 participants to establish causality.
Main Results:
- Higher SMB were associated with less favorable attitudes toward GM foods.
- Experimental manipulation confirmed SMB causally decrease GM food preference.
- The effect of SMB on GM food preference is moderated by social norms.
Conclusions:
- Social Mobility Beliefs play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences for GM foods.
- Findings highlight the importance of social norms in GM food acceptance.
- Implications for policy and communication strategies promoting sustainable food consumption.
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