Ecology of Food and Nutrition
Volume 53, Issue 3, 2014, Pages 273-291

Migration as a Turning Point in Food Habits: The Early Phase of Dietary Acculturation among Women from South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Countries Living in Norway (Article)

Terragni L.* , Garnweidner L.M. , Pettersen K.S. , Mosdøl A.
  • a Department of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway
  • b Department of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway
  • c Department of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway
  • d Department of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway

Abstract

This article explores the early phase of dietary acculturation after migration. South Asian, African and Middle Eastern women (N = 21) living in Norway were interviewed about their early experiences with food in a new context. The findings pointed to abrupt changes in food habits in the first period after migration. To various degrees, women reported unfamiliarity with foods in shops, uncertainty about meal formats and food preparation and fear of eating food prohibited by their religion. Their food consumption tended to be restricted to food items perceived as familiar or safe. Our findings indicate that the first period after migration represents a specific phase in the process of dietary acculturation. Early initiatives aimed at enhancing confidence in food and familiarity with the new food culture are recommended. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Food habits Migration food trajectories Norway Dietary acculturation

Index Keywords

food consumption Norway human middle aged Asia Middle East diet feeding behavior Aged uncertainty analysis cultural relations Young Adult womens status Humans Acculturation female Africa questionnaire cultural factor Questionnaires adult migration Food Habits population migration Emigration and Immigration Asian immigrant food intake Diet Surveys cultural influence
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84899432334&doi=10.1080%2f03670244.2013.817402&partnerID=40&md5=6ccf28102150b5efe531a30a9c5ed0c8
DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2013.817402
ISSN: 03670244
Cited by: 16
Original Language: English