Ecology of Food and Nutrition
Volume 56, Issue 4, 2017, Pages 312-328

Retaining Traditional Dietary Practices among Greek Immigrants to Australia: The Role of Ethnic Identity (Article)

Pillen H. , Tsourtos G.* , Coveney J. , Thodis A. , Itsiopoulos C. , Kouris-Blazos A.
  • a Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • b Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • c Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  • d Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition & Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
  • e Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition & Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
  • f Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition & Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

This article explores why some Greek immigrants to Australia continue to adhere to a traditional Mediterranean diet whereas others have adopted eating behaviors characteristic of a less healthy “Australian” diet. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted and comparisons made between individuals consuming more (n = 6) and less traditional diets (n = 6). The level of adherence to the diet was previously assessed by a diet score in a separate quantitative study (MEDIS-Australia) from which the subset of 12 participants for the present study was recruited. Analysis revealed that maintenance of a strong ethnic identity offers a pathway through which individuals retain dietary practices of their homeland. © 2017 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

qualitative research Mediterranean diet Acculturation Emigration and immigration Ethnic identity

Index Keywords

immigrant cultural tradition Australia quantitative study human immigration Ethnic Groups ethnic group diet feeding behavior ethnology qualitative research Humans migrant cultural identity male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation female qualitative analysis emigration Greece cultural factor clinical article identity research method adult migration ethnicity Mediterranean diet Diet, Mediterranean
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85021432023&doi=10.1080%2f03670244.2017.1333000&partnerID=40&md5=80cc41780c39347d8c15bd216471505c
DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2017.1333000
ISSN: 03670244
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English