Food classifications and the diets of young children in rural Egypt

Soheir Sukkary-Stolba

Social Science & Medicine, 1987, vol. 25, issue 4, 401-404

Abstract: This paper examines the underlying principles of the traditional food classification system as they influence toddlers' diets. Anthropological research in three Egyptian villages indicates that 'light' foods are given to rural toddlers and 'heavy' foods are withheld by mothers for fear of their negative impact on the digestive system. Here it is argued that understanding the culturally perceived values of food provides us with an insight into the overall context of the problem of toddlers' malnutrition in rural Egypt.

Keywords: food; classifications; child; diets; Egypt; light/heavy; foods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1987
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