Re-imagining the ‘social’ in the nutrition sciences

In response to The New Nutrition Science Project's Giessen Declaration, we provide here a case for a more fully described and integrated 'social' dimension within the nutrition sciences. This paper explores what we mean when we argue for socially engaged nutrition sciences (SENS), and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public health nutrition 2012-02, Vol.15 (2), p.352-359
Main Authors: Schubert, Lisa, Gallegos, Danielle, Foley, Wendy, Harrison, Claire
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Diet - psychology
Diet - standards
Food
Humans
Innovation
Intervention
Nutrition
Nutritional Sciences
Public health
Public Health - standards
Qualitative research
Research methodology
Science
Social Environment
Social research
Social sciences
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Summary:In response to The New Nutrition Science Project's Giessen Declaration, we provide here a case for a more fully described and integrated 'social' dimension within the nutrition sciences. This paper explores what we mean when we argue for socially engaged nutrition sciences (SENS), and describes the disciplinary fields, epistemologies and methodologies that contribute to SENS' potential rich diversity and value. Additionally, the current positioning of 'social nutrition' research within the nutrition sciences is critiqued. There is fairly broad acceptance of the 'social' as an important contributor to successful public health nutrition situation analyses, intervention planning and implementation. However, we assert that the 'social' is not merely a contributor, the usual position, but is central. Implications for policy and practice that could follow from this shift in approach are outlined. We call for researchers, educators, policy makers and practitioners alike to re-imagine the role and purpose of social science enquiry that could enable the delivery of more socially engaged nutrition sciences.
ISSN:1368-9800
1475-2727
DOI:10.1017/S1368980011001297