Consumo alimentar contemporâneo: um estudo dos hábitos e dos perfis de consumidoras(es) de alimentos no município de Pato Branco - PR

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the food habits and construct profiles of feminine consumers, in Pato Branco city – PR, in a context of increasing modernization of the societies and of the contemporary trends about food. For this purpose, were elaborated socioeconomics profiles of urban feminine consumers considering the expenditures related to home feeding and specific food groups. By this way, there were found the consumption of the main food groups and the trends in differentiated food intake in the diet. In addition, were deemed the food habits starting from meals, their contents and consumption places. The elaboration of this survey happened from a field research realized with 43 pre-selected consumers, according to their socioeconomic profiles and place of residence. The research tool was a questionnaire based on a closed multiple choice questions, applied individually in each participant’s home, choosing, preferably, the person responsible for food purchasing, selecting and preparation. The qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the research tool’s elaboration and also in field research data analysis. For this, were used descriptive statistical techniques and field observation diary considering the women interlocutors speeches and reports. The results indicated that the economic income, educational level, and women role are the most important elements in socioeconomic profiles formation, as well as food has a symbolic familiar load regarding the activities of buying and selecting ingredients, the menus and in the preparation of culinary dishes. The consumption of processed foods was associated with distrust and the health risk in opposition to the idea of healthy eating. It was constituted by some culinary products used in the preparation or during meals, considered, specially, as an alternative in the sense of practicality, convenience, ritual moments and low cost, particularly for consumers of lower purchasing power. In this case, feeding was valued for it homegrown natural origin, characteristics that are mostly tied to food reliability. It was found that the women interlocutors still conserve the cooking practice and food culture in their preferences, being beans and rice is the dish that composes the daily meals. Furthermore, the meals around the table symbolically represent an important act as a space for the family, for conversation, for exchange information and dialogs that increase the domiciliary group sociability. The attention given to feeding allowed to understand that the consumption and the practices related to it are an important element of observation of a contemporary and social process which is in constant change, but that also still in continuous recreation stem from traditional practices and habits.