Food and Health Inequalities

Culture & Inequality Podcast

In this episode, dr. Julian Schaap (Erasmus University Rotterdam) talks to prof.dr. Jeroen van der Waal (EUR) and dr. Joost Oude Groeniger (EUR) about the relation between health inequalities and social and cultural inequalities. Negative health outcomes such as low life expectancy and disease prevalence are often linked to lower classes, usually followed by an explanation that looks at socio-economic causes. If healthier food is made cheaper, this will contribute to lower health inequalities, some say. However, cultural sociologists have increasingly uncovered how not only socio-economic factors, but also one's taste and cultural consumption contributes to these health disparities. How does cultural capital effect influence health outcomes? Readings Groeniger, J. O., Kamphuis, C. B., Mackenbach, J. P., Beenackers, M. A., & van Lenthe, F. J. (2019). Are socio-economic inequalities in diet and physical activity a matter of social distinction? A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Public Health 64(7): 1037-1047. Oude Groeniger, Joost, et al. (2020). How does cultural capital keep you thin? Exploring unique aspects of cultural class that link social advantage to lower body mass index." Sociology of Health & Illness.