Abstract

ANDREATTA, María Marta. Social Representations on the study of diet related to health. Diaeta [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.142, pp.42-49. ISSN 1852-7337.

This article reviews the current literature regarding the theory of Social Representations on the study of diet related to health. The concept of social representation, developed by Serge Moscovici, refers to a form of socially elaborated and shared knowledge, practice-oriented and involved in the construction of a common reality. Diet is an object of representation since it generates opinions, beliefs and meanings that circulate socially and have an impact on eating practices. The analyzed works show that social representations are consistent with dietary messages developed by health agencies that circulate in society. However, the adoption of these discourses differs by gender, age, educational level, and area of residence. Furthermore, most studies are based on the structural approach of the theory and uses quantitative strategies. Research on diet related to health supported by the process-based approach and the use of qualitative techniques are still the minority. As health care and nutrition professionals, the relevance of this approach is that it allows us to achieve other ways of interpreting the world that it is essential to know if we want to provide both communities and individuals a thorough care of their diethealth problems.

Keywords : Social representations; Food; Health; Meaning.

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