Intergenerational influences on children’s food preferences, and eating styles: A review and call for research

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the roles family members play in shaping young children’s food preferences and habits, as well as the extent to which these effects endure into adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on research in public health, marketing, nutrition and psychology, this paper examines how intergenerational influences (IGs) are manifested in the dietary domain.

Findings

Evidence suggests that the influence of early socialization is substantial, and that such impacts constitute an interesting yet sometimes overlooked set of forces that can help to guide our consumption behaviors as adults.

Originality/value

A detailed agenda for future research is proposed.

Citation

Moore, E.S. (2018), "Intergenerational influences on children’s food preferences, and eating styles: A review and call for research", European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 52 No. 12, pp. 2532-2543. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJM-06-2018-0379