University of Oregon study finds kids may choose food based on gender stereotypes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A new University of Oregon study found that some children may think of certain foods as “girly” or “manly,” which may impact the type of food kids eat.
The study — which will appear in the international research journal Appetite in April — found that some kids may think certain foods are for boys while other foods are for girls.
During the study, researchers offered children 8 to 10-years-old a variety of food including sandwich fixings, chicken nuggets, fruits, vegetables, chips, candy, and drinks.
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Each child dined privately and was told to eat until they were no longer hungry and to take as much time as they needed to eat.
The researchers then measured what items the children ate and how much each child ate.
Researchers found that boys with high “social desirability bias” – or the tendency to act in ways that seem more socially acceptable to others – ate fewer fruits and vegetables.
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That same association was not found with girls, according to the study.
“This may reflect some data suggesting that boys and girls have an idea from an early age which foods are viewed as ‘girly’ and which are seen as ‘manly,’” said Nichole Kelly, a co-author of the study and Evergreen Associate Professor in counseling psychology and human services in UO’s College of Education. “Boys may be less inclined to eat ‘girl foods’, like fruits and vegetables, if they fear social ramifications.”
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Even though the study did not take into account what the adults in the children’s lives can do to prevent the food stereotypes, Kelly urges adults to be mindful of how adults talk about food.
“All foods are for all bodies of all genders,” Kelly said. “When television ads or other media suggest otherwise, adults can gently challenge and correct these stereotypes.”
Research also found parallels in the eating behaviors of parents and children.
“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.
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The University of Oregon says this is the first eating behavior research to document desirability bias in kids, showing children change what they eat to avoid being viewed negatively by others.
Researchers also found that boys and girls with higher social desirability bias ate fewer snack foods, including chips, candy, or cookies, which have a reputation of being “bad” or “unhealthy.”
Kelly is concerned that avoiding certain foods for fear of judgement can lead to overeating and other forms of disordered eating because those “off-limits” foods then become more enticing.
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“These findings really speak to the importance of talking about food without value judgments,” Kelly said.
Researchers say the link between social desirability and eating is well-documented in adults – especially women.
The researchers say documenting what children eat can help experts understand and intervene with eating behaviors.
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