Nutritional change among generations X, Y, and Z in the context of food sociology

Food sociology is a discipline that examines the relationship between food and society from a multi-dimensional perspective, taking into account the trends in the historical process. Social transformation, technological developments, economic structure and differences in cultural values leads to changes in nutrition practices between generations. This study aims to examine the change between nutrition selection motives between X, Y and Z generations in the context of food sociology by quantitative and qualitative research methods. Kırklareli University was determined as the target audience. While a survey was conducted on a total of 141 participants fort he qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 30 participants of 10 people each for quantitative research. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Then, parametric and non-parametric hypothesis tests were applied. In addition, sub-factors for the concept of food selection motive were handled by explanatory factor analysis. The quantitative research results were supported by qualitative research. As a result, it is seen that the differences between generations are not only biologically related to age, but also socially and culturally constructed preferences. The findings obtained offer important implications in terms of food policies, public health strategies and marketing practices for generations.