Australian ten year olds' perceptions of foods: II. Social status effects

Two studies were carried out into the relationships between paternal social status and ten year olds’ perceptions of food. The first examined 420 children's views of fourteen foods on eleven food properties. The influence of paternal social status was minimal.

The second study, of 580 children, examined their views of 40 foods over 16 attributes. A randomized sample of foods was presented to each child on two forms. The results showed major differences between the perceptions of children from different social backgrounds, particularly those of high and low paternal social status. The differences are described and possible causes examined.