Conceptualizing Intersecting Dynamics, Disjunctures and Disparities in the Experience of Food Allergy

Abstract

This article details the state of knowledge regarding the experience of food allergy through a systematic review of the small but relevant social science literature and an exploration of mainstream perspectives and understandings. An overview of the biomedical definition of food allergy and the scope of food allergy as an emerging health concern is provided, including an explanation of the social dimensions of food allergy-related health, and the ways that the elusiveness of food allergy diagnosis are central to our understanding of food allergy as a health issue. Epistemological challenges and the creation of alternative or competing nomenclatures are described. Emphasis is accorded to disparities related to gender, socio-economic status and race/ethnicity. Four dimensions of the experience of food allergy are discussed: (1) how food allergy interfaces with cultural and gendered dimensions of food; (2) perception gaps and epistemological conflicts; (3) the food allergy industry and its impacts on consumption; and (4) political and moral discourses. Insights are provided for thinking about food allergy as a food justice issue.

Keywords:

• food allergy
• food hypersensitivity
• gluten-free
• gender
• health disparities
• food justice

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janet Page-Reeves

Janet Page-Reeves is a research assistant professor at the University of New Mexico Office for Community Health in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and a senior fellow in the NM CARES Health Disparities Research Center. She previously conducted fieldwork in Bolivia with indigenous sweater knitters. Her current research interests in New Mexico focus on food insecurity; diabetes; food allergy; youth farming/gardening; science, technology, engineering and mathematics education; and the relationship between educational outcomes and health disparities. Department of Family & Community Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC09 5065, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131–0001, USA ([email protected]).