Unpacking the lunchbox: biopedagogies, mothering and social class

Abstract

This study investigates how mothers respond to school surveillance of their children's packed lunches. In a context where increasing attention is focused on healthy eating, we adopt a biopedagogical approach to illustrate different positions and strategies which mothers occupy in relation to feeding their children in the school setting. We use photo-elicitation interviews and focus groups to trace both the discursive and practical significance of these biopedagogies. We find that the subjective experiences of feeding children at school are infused with classed notions of mothering in public. Our analysis highlights two broad positions. Firstly, there were those with strong distinctions between home-food and school-food, which was associated more clearly with middle class families. Secondly, there were those with more fluid boundaries between home-food and school-food. This was more commonly encapsulated by working class mothers who were seen to place more emphasis on their children as autonomous decision-makers. Overall the findings document localised and classed practices of resisting the school's normalising gaze.

What's for Lunch? Investigating the Experiences, Perceptions, and Habits of Parents and School Lunches: A Scoping Review

“…15,20,21 Furthermore, parents reported receiving requests from their children to alter the lunchbox contents, 21 decrease portion sizes, 19 and exclude fruit 19 so children could eat quickly and go out to play. School food regulations such as allergy policies and healthy eating rules influenced parental lunchpacking decisions [20][21][22][23] ; however, many parents felt that ultimately the decision to pack certain foods was their own, and routinely defied school food rules. 20,21,23 Lastly, food safety concerns prevented parents from putting healthier items into the lunchbox 19,22 as parents preferred to pack pre-packaged, temperature stable foods because refrigeration was not available to students.…”

“…Another recurring theme in the literature was parents emphasizing the importance of packing foods that would sustain and nourish their children. 19,[21][22][23] Many parents were concerned about the nutritional value of their child's packed lunch and the impact it would have on health. 19,22,23 Additionally, parents highlighted the importance of providing, or attempting to provide, foods that fueled mental and physical energy so their children could concentrate throughout the school day and participate in extra-curricular activities.…”

“…19,22,23 Additionally, parents highlighted the importance of providing, or attempting to provide, foods that fueled mental and physical energy so their children could concentrate throughout the school day and participate in extra-curricular activities. 21,23…”

“…Despite attempting to provide nutritious lunches for their children, parents most often accommodated children's preferences as they would rather their children eat unhealthy food than nothing at all. 22,23 For example, some parents did not pack fruits and vegetables as their children refused to eat those foods. 15 Being mindful of children's preferences while trying to provide a healthy meal often resulted in parents checking the lunchbox at the end of each day to assess what was eaten and adjusting the contents accordingly.…”

“…Household financial strain was found to impact parental school lunch packing habits, as parents did not want food to go to waste. 23 This concept is complementary to children's preferences; parents did not want to waste food or money and therefore, only packed foods they knew their children would eat. 19,23 Furthermore, parents perceived healthy food such as fruit and vegetables as more expensive, and as a result, did not purchase these foods for school lunches.…”