Cultural Influences on the Regulation of Energy Intake and Obesity: A Qualitative Study Comparing Food Customs and Attitudes to Eating in Adults from France and the United States

(1) Background: The influence of food culture on eating behavior and obesity risk is poorly understood. (2) Methods: In this qualitative study, 25 adults in France with or without overweight/obesity participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 10) or focus groups (n = 15) to examine attitudes to food consumption and external pressures that influence eating behavior and weight management. Results were compared to an equivalent study conducted in the United States, thereby contrasting two countries with markedly different rates of obesity. Emerging key themes in the French data were identified through coding using a reflexive approach. (3) Results: The main themes identified were: (1) influence of commensality, social interactions, and pleasure from eating on eating behavior, (2) having a balanced and holistic approach to nutrition, (3) the role of environmental concerns in food consumption, (4) relationship with “natural” products (idealized) and food processing (demonized), (5) perceptions of weight status and management. Stress and difficulties in hunger cue discernment were viewed as important obstacles to weight management in both countries. External pressures were described as a major factor that explicitly influences food consumption in the U.S., while there was an implicit influence of external pressures through eating-related social interactions in France. In France, products considered “natural” where idealized and juxtaposed against processed and “industrial” products, whereas this was not a salient aspect in the U.S. (4) Conclusions: This first comparative qualitative study assessing aspects of food culture and eating behaviors across countries identifies both common and divergent attitudes to food and eating behavior. Further studies are needed to inform the development of effective behavioral interventions to address obesity in different populations.

Download Full-text

Perceived Changes in Sexuality during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adults in the United States

Sexes ◽

10.3390/sexes2030026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 331-344

Author(s):

Jessamyn Bowling ◽

Erika Montanaro ◽

Sarai Guerrero-Ordonez ◽

Stuti Joshi ◽

Diana Gioia

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Sexual Behavior ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Self Reflection ◽

Sex Drive ◽

Stress Changes ◽

Sexual Experimentation

In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased partnered sexual behavior and increased the use of enhancement (e.g., toys). This has been partly attributed to reduced social interactions and stress. However, individuals’ perceptions of changes are missing in research. This study aims to examine how adults perceive changes in their sexuality during the pandemic. We conducted a nationwide survey of US adults from April–June 2020 (N = 326). This qualitative study examines the open-ended responses using thematic analyses. The following themes emerged from the data: (1) changes in the purpose of sex; (2) changes in sexual identity; (3) decreases in sex drive and desire; (4) increases in sex drive and desire; (5) fluctuations in sex drive and desire; (6) increased sexual experimentation and reflection. The stress, changes in home responsibilities and living situations, and time spent with partners (more or less) has affected individuals by increasing or decreasing their sex drive and desire. Participants responded to changes with self-reflection and awareness, and incorporating new practices (e.g., technology, kink). The purpose of sex has shifted in order to gain intimacy or connect, or to pass time. These changes were perceived as both positive and negative, and more research is needed to determine the durability of these changes.

Download Full-text

Not Surprised, But Concerned: The Professoriate’s Reaction to PETE Doctoral Education in the United States

Journal of Teaching in Physical Education ◽

10.1123/jtpe.30.2.157 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 157-177 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Melissa Parker ◽

Sue Sutherland ◽

Christina Sinclair ◽

Phillip Ward

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Doctoral Education ◽

The United States ◽

Frame Of Reference ◽

The U.S

The purpose of this qualitative study was to initiate a discussion and explore reactions to PETE doctoral education in the United States. A purposeful sample of 27 representatives from doctoral and non doctoral granting programs in the U.S. was interviewed. Analysis resulted in four themes: (a) Is the dog wagging its tail or the tail wagging the dog? (b) Frame of reference = Self, (c) There is a core, but different roads lead to Rome, and (d) Regulating deregulation. It was concluded that a shared view of expectations for the PETE doctorate is existent, but inconsistent; future faculty may not be well-prepared; most of what faculty would like to change is tied to political and economic demands; and PETE faculty believe that we should hold ourselves accountable for introducing, but not institutionalizing change. Overall this study suggests PETE-D education in the United States may be at a critical crossroad.

Download Full-text

The “Authentic” Me

Teaching & Learning Inquiry The ISSOTL Journal ◽

10.20343/teachlearninqu.9.2.11 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler ◽

Olivia Choplin ◽

Kirsten Doehler ◽

Amanda Sturgill ◽

Nina Namaste ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Social Interactions ◽

Personal Growth ◽

International Study ◽

Institutional Context ◽

The United States ◽

National Identities ◽

Sociocultural Context ◽

Personal Experiences

In this qualitative study, 26 university students reflected on their experiences in domestic or international study away programs. Utilizing a sociocultural developmental framework, we examined perceived changes in identity in relation to salient aspects of the sociocultural context and social interactions during and after study away. Students reported developing an enhanced understanding of who they really are. Their experiences navigating new environments served as a catalyst for personal growth, and, for some, participating in study away ignited new professional pathways and plans. Encountering different perspectives on policies and issues facing the United States (US) afforded opportunities to co-construct new understandings of national identities. Reentry posed particular challenges in communicating with family and friends, and some found it hard to communicate unique personal experiences within an institutional context in which the majority of students study away. The process of reflecting on questions related to identity and reentry in the focus groups was reportedly a unique and valuable intervention. The findings support the need for enhanced opportunities for guided reflection experiences before, during, and after study away.

Download Full-text

Gendered differences in emigration and mobility perspectives among European researchers working abroad

MIGRATION LETTERS ◽

10.33182/ml.v7i1.178 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 33-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Elisabeth Scheibelhofer

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Qualitative Research ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Social Relations ◽

The United States ◽

Research Strategy ◽

The Future ◽

Highly Skilled

This paper focuses on gendered mobilities of highly skilled researchers working abroad. It is based on an empirical qualitative study that explored the mobility aspirations of Austrian scientists who were working in the United States at the time they were interviewed. Supported by a case study, the paper demonstrates how a qualitative research strategy including graphic drawings sketched by the interviewed persons can help us gain a better understanding of the gendered importance of social relations for the future mobility aspirations of scientists working abroad.

Download Full-text

An American Language

10.1525/california/9780520297067.001.0001 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Rosina Lozano

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

National Policy ◽

The United States ◽

Spanish Language ◽

Spanish Speakers ◽

Language Recognition ◽

Political Language ◽

Political Issue ◽

History Of ◽

The U.S

An American Language is a political history of the Spanish language in the United States. The nation has always been multilingual and the Spanish language in particular has remained as an important political issue into the present. After the U.S.-Mexican War, the Spanish language became a language of politics as Spanish speakers in the U.S. Southwest used it to build territorial and state governments. In the twentieth century, Spanish became a political language where speakers and those opposed to its use clashed over what Spanish's presence in the United States meant. This book recovers this story by using evidence that includes Spanish language newspapers, letters, state and territorial session laws, and federal archives to profile the struggle and resilience of Spanish speakers who advocated for their language rights as U.S. citizens. Comparing Spanish as a language of politics and as a political language across the Southwest and noncontiguous territories provides an opportunity to measure shifts in allegiance to the nation and exposes differing forms of nationalism. Language concessions and continued use of Spanish is a measure of power. Official language recognition by federal or state officials validates Spanish speakers' claims to US citizenship. The long history of policies relating to language in the United States provides a way to measure how U.S. visions of itself have shifted due to continuous migration from Latin America. Spanish-speaking U.S. citizens are crucial arbiters of Spanish language politics and their successes have broader implications on national policy and our understanding of Americans.

Download Full-text

Palestine Unbound

Journal of Palestine Studies ◽

10.1525/jps.2018.47.3.130 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 130-134

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Human Rights ◽

Task Force ◽

The United States ◽

Donald Trump ◽

Tel Aviv ◽

The Us ◽

Intention To Move ◽

Arab Israeli Conflict ◽

The U.S

This section, updated regularly on the blog Palestine Square, covers popular conversations related to the Palestinians and the Arab-Israeli conflict during the quarter 16 November 2017 to 15 February 2018: #JerusalemIstheCapitalofPalestine went viral after U.S. president Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced his intention to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv. The arrest of Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi for slapping an Israeli soldier also prompted a viral campaign under the hashtag #FreeAhed. A smaller campaign protested the exclusion of Palestinian human rights from the agenda of the annual Creating Change conference organized by the US-based National LGBTQ Task Force in Washington. And, UNRWA publicized its emergency funding appeal, following the decision of the United States to slash funding to the organization, with the hashtag #DignityIsPriceless.

Download Full-text

The French Way

10.23943/princeton/9780691151816.001.0001 ◽

2011 ◽

Author(s):

Richard F. Kuisel

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

The United States ◽

French Language ◽

French Cinema ◽

Free Markets ◽

Technology Sector ◽

Aids Epidemic ◽

Political Reality ◽

Politics And Culture ◽

The U.S

There are over 1,000 McDonald's on French soil. Two Disney theme parks have opened near Paris in the last two decades. And American-inspired vocabulary such as “le weekend” has been absorbed into the French language. But as former French president Jacques Chirac put it: “The U.S. finds France unbearably pretentious. And we find the U.S. unbearably hegemonic.” Are the French fascinated or threatened by America? They Americanize yet are notorious for expressions of anti-Americanism. From McDonald's and Coca-Cola to free markets and foreign policy, this book looks closely at the conflicts and contradictions of France's relationship to American politics and culture. The book shows how the French have used America as both yardstick and foil to measure their own distinct national identity. France has charted its own path: it has welcomed America's products but rejected American policies; assailed Americ's “jungle capitalism” while liberalizing its own economy; attacked “Reaganomics” while defending French social security; and protected French cinema, television, food, and language even while ingesting American pop culture. The book examines France's role as an independent ally of the United States, but he also considers the country's failures in influencing the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations. Whether investigating France's successful information technology sector or its spurning of American expertise during the AIDS epidemic, the book asks if this insistence on a French way represents a growing distance between Europe and the United States or a reaction to American globalization. Exploring cultural trends, values, public opinion, and political reality, this book delves into the complex relationship between two modern nations.

Download Full-text

Latino Catholicism

10.23943/princeton/9780691139791.001.0001 ◽

2011 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Timothy Matovina

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Sixteenth Century ◽

Catholic Church ◽

Social Life ◽

Social Issues ◽

The United States ◽

Societal Impact ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Public Debates ◽

The U.S

Most histories of Catholicism in the United States focus on the experience of Euro-American Catholics, whose views on social issues have dominated public debates. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Latino Catholic experience in America from the sixteenth century to today, and offers the most in-depth examination to date of the important ways the U.S. Catholic Church, its evolving Latino majority, and American culture are mutually transforming one another. This book highlights the vital contributions of Latinos to American religious and social life, demonstrating in particular how their engagement with the U.S. cultural milieu is the most significant factor behind their ecclesial and societal impact.

Download Full-text