Using food-related images to enhance belonging in university staff and students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29311/ndtns.v18i1.4110Keywords:
food, culture, belongingAbstract
Food has multiple roles within individuals’ lives, with potential to bridge gaps between different groups and enhance belonging. This project sought to explore through food-related images submitted by staff and students, the themes and values identified, and explore whether taking part enhanced belonging at university. Data were collected using a questionnaire and optional interviews. The questionnaire included demographic information, food-related questions and a link to upload a food-related image. University staff and students were invited to participate by email. A total of 23 staff and 67 students completed questionnaires, and 13 interviews (4 staff and 9 student) were completed. Multiple themes were identified. These included food as an evocation of place, time and people; food in relation to tradition; the use of food to bring people together and to share, and food-related skills such as cooking and growing. Health and wider themes such as the environment and global warming were also highlighted. Demographic and study/work characteristics had little impact on either food-related beliefs and behaviours or sense of belonging at the institution. Participation increased sense of belonging in 39% of staff and 49.3% of student participants; it was not decreased in any.
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