Trang 1 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES------THE ESSAYINTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGYTheme: “ Student Food Consumption Habits: Exploring Food Trang 2
lOMoARcPSD|38837747 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES - - THE ESSAY INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY Theme: “ Student Food Consumption Habits: Exploring Food Consumption Characteristics in Urban Student Communities ” Instructor : Student Name : Giang Thị Phương Thảo – 21030828 Class Đỗ Văn Tiến – 21030832 Course Code Phạm Thủy Tiên - : K66A KHQL TT23 : 222-SOC1051-E-02 Ha Noi, 30th May 2023 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 Table of contents CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION .1 1 The signi昀椀cance of the study .1 2 Research overview 1 2.1 Factors in昀氀uencing food choices: 1 2.2 Types of consumed food 2 2.3 Impact of convenience, a昀昀ordability, and health considerations 2 3 Objectives of the study 2 3.1 Identifying students' food preferences 2 3.2 Examining students' eating habits and patterns 3 3.3 Investigating dining locations and social aspects of food consumption among students .3 3.4 Exploring students' personal views and attitudes on food-related topics 3 4 Scope of the study .3 4.1 Geographic scope 3 4.2 Target population 3 4.3 Research methodology 3 4.4 Topics covered .3 4.5 Data analysis .4 CHAPTER II PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS 5 1 Survey results from the questionnaire .5 Conclude 13 2 Individual work 14 2.1 The result of In-depth interviews’ Tiến .14 2.2 The result of In-depth interviews’ Thảo 17 Danh mục tài liệu tham khảo 23 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION 1 The signi昀椀cance of the study This research can help identify students' most common preferences and eating habits in a particular context, which in turn can explore the characteristics of food consumption in the community By examining individual perspectives on eating, research can also uncover the reasons behind students' preferences and eating habits, providing insight into the sociocultural factors and attitudes that in昀氀uence their food choices Research can also highlight potential barriers to healthy eating habits in students, such as limited access to healthy food choices or lack of knowledge about nutrition, and inform the development of strategies to overcome these barriers The study can also provide useful information to food service providers, allowing them to tailor their services to better meet the preferences and needs of student clients 2 Research overview Regarding the hobbies, living habits and personal views on eating of Hanoi students, there have been many researches and articles on all aspects revolving around this issue of many experts in many 昀椀elds of study By reviewing relevant research, this review aims to identify key factors in昀氀uencing food choices, the type of food consumed, and the impact of social and cultural factors on food consumption by the Hanoi student community 1 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 2.1 Factors in昀氀uencing food choices: 2.1.1 Economic factor Studies have shown that economic considerations play an important role in students' food choices A昀昀ordability and 昀椀nancial constraints in昀氀uence students' decisions, leading them to choose cheaper food options or look for discounts and promotions Limited budgets often a昀昀ect students prioritizing cost-e昀昀ective meals.1 2.1.2 Convenience and accessibility Convenience and accessibility of food options have been identi昀椀ed as important factors in昀氀uencing eating habits Students prioritize quick and accessible meal options due to busy schedules and time constraints The proximity of food establishments, such as street food vendors and canteens, greatly in昀氀uences food choices 2.1.3 Health and nutrition Health and nutrition considerations are increasingly important for students Students are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices and interested in healthier food choices Factors such as nutritional value, balanced diets, food safety and hygiene concerns in昀氀uence their food choices 2.2 Types of consumed food Students in Hanoi are very fond of local dishes due to their familiarity, taste and cultural signi昀椀cance Traditional dishes are often associated with identity and cultural heritage The in昀氀uence of Western food culture and globalization has led to an increase in consumption of fast food and processed snacks by Hanoi students Observed the growing tendency of students to consume fast food due to its convenience and taste The availability and marketing of international fast food chains has contributed to this shift in food preferences.2 1 Tống Thị Ánh Ngọc, Nguyễn Cẩm Tú, Phan Thị Thanh Quế, Đoàn Anh Dũng, 2019 - Hành vi tiêu dùng thực phẩm của sinh viên thành phố Cần Thơ 2 Pham Tuan Anh, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, Nguyen Thi My Hanh - Sustainable consumer behavior in the 昀椀eld of eating among young people: comparative study of student groups in Hanoi - 2019 2 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 Street food and street vendors play an important role in students' food consumption habits Students often rely on street eateries and street vendors to eat Factors such as taste, authenticity, and a昀昀ordability contribute to the popularity of street food options among students 2.3 Impact of convenience, a昀昀ordability, and health considerations The interaction between convenience, a昀昀ordability, and health considerations in昀氀uences food choices Students often make trade-o昀昀s between convenience, cost, and health factors when choosing their meals Marketing and advertising also in昀氀uence students' perceptions and choices, particularly related to convenience foods and snacks 3 Objectives of the study 3.1 Identifying students' food preferences Identify the types of cuisines, dishes, and ingredients that students prefer in their diet Explore factors that in昀氀uence their eating preferences, such as cultural background, taste preferences, health considerations, and convenience 3.2 Examining students' eating habits and patterns Explore factors that in昀氀uence living habits, time constraints, a昀昀ordability, availability of food options, and in昀氀uence of friends 3.3 Investigating dining locations and social aspects of food consumption among students Identify preferred places to eat, such as private homes, university canteens, restaurants, street food stalls, or cafes Consider the social aspects of food consumption, including eating with friends, family, or alone, and the importance of a shared dining experience 3 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 3.4 Exploring students' personal views and attitudes on food-related topics Investigate their views on nutrition, food safety, sustainable food practices and cultural traditions related to food Understand their awareness and involvement in healthy eating behaviors and their awareness of the impact of diet on overall health 4 Scope of the study The scope of sociological investigation of students' interests, living habits, personal views on eating is determined as follows: 4.1 Geographic scope The study focused speci昀椀cally on students in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam The study is not open to students in other cities or regions 4.2 Target population The target audience includes students studying at universities and colleges in Hanoi 4.3 Research methodology The survey uses two research methods: in-depth interviews and questionnaires In-depth interviews will be conducted with a small group of participants to collect detailed qualitative data The questionnaire will be distributed to more participants to collect quantitative data 4.4 Topics covered The study focused on the eating habits, preferences and personal views of students in Hanoi Topics include eating preferences, dietary habits, beverage choices, places to eat, and personal views on food-related topics such as nutrition, food safety, and sustainability 4 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 4.5 Data analysis The data collected through interviews and questionnaires will be analyzed using qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques The analysis will focus on identifying themes and key 昀椀ndings related to the research objectives 5 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 CHAPTER II PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS 1 Survey results from the questionnaire Câu hỏi số 1: Bạn có phải là một tín đồ ăn uống không? The results showed that most students enjoyed eating, with 90.5% answering yes Only 2 (9.5%) answered no For example, a 22-year-old sophomore replied, "I'm not a foodie I only eat when I'm hungry and don't care much about food or place I usually buy ready-to-eat food or cook at home." Câu hỏi số 2: Địa điểm bạn thường chọn ăn uống ở đâu? 6 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 The results showed that when answered with multiple options, students tended to choose a昀昀ordable locations and sidewalks, with 57.1% and 33.3% respectively Selected luxury venues accounted for only 9.5% In addition, the selection rate of 76.2% of students said they did not have a 昀椀xed location but depending on the situation and accompanying person This may indicate the 昀氀exibility and customization of students in choosing places to consume food, which may depend on time, budget and comfort of the environment In terms of the type of dining option, eateries were the most popular choice with 81%, followed by restaurants with 14.3% and convenience store chains with 4.8% For example, a 23-year-old third-year student said, "I usually choose a diner or restaurant to go with friends or family I like shops with airy space and modern style I also visit convenience store chains to buy drinks or cakes." Câu hỏi số 3: Tiêu chí nào quan trọng nhất khi bạn lựa chọn địa điểm ăn uống? 7 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 The results showed that students were very concerned about food quality and hygiene safety along with price with 95.2% choosing this category This shows that students place a high priority on ensuring the food they consume is reliable and safe to avoid the risk of poisoning or illness Other criteria were also noticed but not as high, including interactive service (57.1%), style and space (66.7%), variety of menu choices (47.6%), reviews and recommendations from people (38.1%) and other factors (9.5%) For example, a 21-year-old senior said, "I attach great importance to food quality and hygiene safety when I go out to eat I don't want to get poisoned or sick from eating I also like the restaurants with good service and friendliness I don't like bars with cold or disrespectful sta昀昀." Câu hỏi số 4: Đối với bạn, ăn uống có ý nghĩa như thế nào? 8 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 have a close relationship and care for each other Relatives are also great in昀氀uencers on each other's shopping and consumption decisions And only 1 person chooses to share on social networks This can be explained by the fact that sharing on social networks is risky and di昀케cult to control Consumers may be concerned about being negatively reacted to, having their privacy invaded, or having their personal information taken advantage of Wanting to help others lead a healthy lifestyle accounted for 13 of the 17 respondents Show that consumers have a high sense of their role and responsibility in improving the quality of life of society They also have faith in the e昀昀ectiveness of sharing information about nutrition and health Wanting to create a positive spread of information about nutrition and health was 10 people out of 17 responses Consumers have a desire to contribute to creating a healthy and useful information space for the community They also intend to strengthen their prestige and in昀氀uence in social networks Wanting to exchange ideas and learn from others was 10 out of 17 responses They value interaction and socializing with people who share the same interests and needs Câu hỏi số 8: Theo bạn, những yếu tố nào ảnh hưởng đến sự lựa chọn tiêu dùng thực phẩm của sinh viên trong môi trường đô thị hiện nay? 13 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 According to the survey results, the group came up with 昀椀ve main factors in昀氀uencing individuals' food choices in urban environments, including: income and 昀椀nance, education and awareness of nutrition, culture and values, access and social connections, etc and surroundings In particular, income and 昀椀nance are the most valued factors, with 95.2% of survey respondents saying that this is the most important factor in deciding to buy food This is understandable because income and 昀椀nances directly a昀昀ect individuals' ability to spend and shop People with higher incomes may choose foods that are more expensive, more quality, or more tailored to personal preferences Conversely, people with low incomes will have to limit their spending and choose foods that are cheaper, less nutritious, or not suitable for their personal taste Education and awareness about nutrition are the second most concerned, with 76.2% of survey respondents saying it is an important factor in food choices This suggests that individuals in urban environments are increasingly conscious of healthy and nutritionally balanced eating People who are more educated and knowledgeable about nutrition will tend to choose foods that are nutritious, low in fat, low in sugar, or have health bene昀椀ts Conversely, people with lower levels of education and less understanding of nutrition will tend to choose foods that are high in fat, high in sugar, or harmful to health 14 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 Culture and values are the third most popular factor, with 47.6% of respondents saying it is an important factor in food choices This suggests that individuals in urban environments are in昀氀uenced not only by economic and scienti昀椀c factors but also by cultural factors and values of society People who have religious beliefs or follow the eating rules of religion will choose foods that are consistent with their beliefs People who are conscious of protecting the environment or animals will choose foods that are natural or do not harm animals Those who have a taste in food or want to explore other cultures will choose foods that are unique to countries or regions Access and social connection are the fourth most popular factor, with 23.8% of survey respondents citing it as an important factor in food choices This suggests that individuals in urban environments not only eat to replenish their energy but also to socialize and bond with friends, family, or communities People with high social needs will choose foods that are suitable for social spaces or holidays People with a high need for social connection will choose foods that match the tendencies or opinions of others The surroundings were the last factor of much concern, with 57.1% of survey participants citing it as an important factor in food choices This suggests that individuals in urban environments are in昀氀uenced by external factors such as climate, seasons, peak hours, or unexpected events People who live in hot or cold climates will choose foods that are suitable for the ambient temperature People who live in di昀昀erent seasons will choose foods that are suitable for the produce of the season People who live during rush hour or experience unusual events will choose foods that are convenient or safe Conclude The study data showed some remarkable results about the eating choices of the study students The target audience is mainly students aged between 19 and 23, with the 20s accounting for the highest 15 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 proportion and 23 years old accounting for the lowest The majority of students choose casual dining venues and sidewalks, while a few have no 昀椀xed locations In choosing where to eat, food quality and safety and price are considered the most important factors Students also place an emphasis on style and space, a variety of menu choices, interactive services, and reviews/recommendations from people Students often choose eateries as the most popular place to eat, while restaurants and convenience store chains are also popular What eating means for students includes feeling good and happy, reducing stress, providing opportunities to meet people, and a number of other reasons Noteworthy is the number of students who regularly search for information about nutrition and how to eat well from the Internet Students also often share food choices with friends and relatives to help others lead a healthy lifestyle and create positive information spread about nutrition and health The data also show that income and 昀椀nancial factors, education and awareness of nutrition, culture and values, access and social connections, and surroundings all in昀氀uence the food choices of individuals from di昀昀erent social classes in urban environments From the results of this study, it is possible to identify some important trends and factors for students' eating choices, which in turn provide useful information for creating a better eating environment and encouraging healthy eating habits in the student community 2 Individual work 2.1 The result of In-depth interviews’ Tiến Personal interview questions for a student studying in the third year at a school in Hanoi 1 Are you more important about food choices or their nutritional value? And why do you have such a view? 16 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 The interviewee said that both food choices and nutritional value are important However, if one had to be chosen, the interviewee would put nutritional value 昀椀rst The reason is that health comes 昀椀rst, and a healthy and balanced diet can help maintain and improve health The interviewee said he wasn't too picky about the taste or appearance of foods, as long as they were bene昀椀cial to the body 2 In choosing where to eat, what factors do you consider most important? And will that change as you move to a new environment? If so, can you tell the interviewee what that factor is? In choosing a place to eat, the interviewee considers the factor of convenience and suitability to the taste of the interviewee Interviewees are also interested in food being processed and made from quality ingredients, ensuring food hygiene and safety This helps ensure the interviewee has a good meal and avoids the risk of illness from contaminated food When transitioning to a new environment, this factor is still important, but interviewees can also consider adding other factors such as cultural diversity and surroundings to experience new things 3 Do you believe that consuming food can express you personally? Interviewees believe that food consumption can be personal The way we choose and consume food re昀氀ects our interest in our health, nutritional value, and also our surroundings Food choices can also re昀氀ect our personal values, notions, and priorities 4 Does your living environment and culture a昀昀ect your eating habits? Yes, the living environment and culture have an in昀氀uence on each person's eating habits Our surroundings provide in昀氀uence and choice in terms of the foods available and through regulation, food culture, and community eating habits These factors can have a big impact on how we approach and choose food 5 What resources do you usually use to learn about nutrition and healthy eating? And do you change your diet based on the information you learn? Interviewees often use information from the internet (Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok), books, and nutritionists to learn about nutrition and healthy eating The interviewee made changes to his or her diet based on the 17 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD|38837747 information the interviewee learned For example, interviewees minimized their intake of fried foods, soft drinks and fast food after learning of their harmful e昀昀ects on the interviewee's face Interviewees have also increased their intake of green vegetables, fruits, and water to replenish vitamins and minerals for the body to improve skin 6 In the process of choosing good and healthy food, what di昀케culties do you face? Are there factors that a昀昀ect your ability to choose healthy foods? Have you learned and applied ways to overcome these barriers? In the process of choosing good and healthy foods, interviewees may have di昀케culty 昀椀nding reliable information A number of factors can a昀昀ect an interviewee's ability to choose food including 昀椀nancial limitations, convenience and access to good foods, perceptions of nutritional value, and also what eating habits are available 7 Have you ever shared your knowledge of this 昀椀eld with family, friends, relatives or colleagues? Yes, the interviewee shared knowledge about the 昀椀eld of nutrition and how to eat well with family, friends, etc Interviewees believe that sharing information and knowledge is a way to increase awareness about nutrition and contribute to community development 8 Do you think 昀椀nances are an important factor in students' food choices? Do surroundings and convenience a昀昀ect students' food choices? Have you noticed the impact of advertising or common food trends in students' food choices? Finances can be an important factor in a student's food choices Learners may have limited sources of income and must weigh nutritional value and cost Surroundings and convenience can also a昀昀ect students' food choices, for example the availability of snack bars and unhealthy food on campus Advertising and food trends can also impact students' food choices, but understanding nutritional value and making smart decisions can help students avoid being negatively a昀昀ected by these factors Conclusion for personal interview: Interviewees have argued that both food choices and nutritional value are important but if they had to choose, they would put nutritional value 昀椀rst 18 Downloaded by Yen Nguyen (nguyenyen.11@gmail.com)