The research found possible gender stereotypes in kids’ food choices.
No one ever claimed that food choices were free from social pressures, but research finds that children may also avoid certain foods based on gender stereotypes.
The study, conducted by the University of Oregon, revealed that boys ages 8-10 with a high “social desirability bias” were less likely to eat fruits and vegetables, possibly due to the belief that these foods are “girly.” Girls, however, did not exhibit the same behavior.
In the study, the children were given a range of foods for lunch, such as sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fruits, vegetables, chips, candy, and drinks, and were told to eat until full. Researchers then analyzed what and how much they consumed.
Researcher Nichole Kelly suggested that children may learn from a young age which foods are considered more feminine or “girly” and which are seen as more masculine or “manly.”
The research also showed that both boys and girls with higher social desirability bias consumed fewer snack foods like chips and candy, fearing they might be judged as unhealthy. Kelly warned that avoiding “off limits” foods based on social pressures could lead to unhealthy eating habits and disordered eating.
“These findings really speak to the importance of talking about food without value judgments,” Kelly said.
It was also found that children’s eating behaviors often mirror those of their parents. Kelly encouraged adults to be mindful of how they talk about food and to set a positive example.
“When children see the boys and men in the family eating fruits and vegetables — and the whole family enjoying a range of foods without guilt, shame or commentary — they can develop a more positive relationship with food and steer clear of gendered stereotypes,” Kelly said.