Adopting a Transformative Paradigm: Food Concerns at the University as a Matter of Social Justice

• In Event: The Power and Possibility of the Co-Curriculum

Abstract

Food and food concerns within the context of higher education have been under-researched, despite that food is essential and should be a basic provision for all. This theoretical paper advocates for the adoption of a transformative paradigm in researching food concerns at the university and makes an appeal to conduct research that promotes and is aligned with social justice imperatives. A review of the limited, but nonetheless compelling literature on food concerns at the university is provided. The argument is made that food and food concerns should be viewed as a social justice imperative, and a case is made for conducting research on food issues and food concerns by adopting a transformative approach to research in this area.

Author

• Yasmine Dominguez-Whitehead, University of the Witwatersrand