A TWO-PART STUDY OF TAKEAWAY FOODS IN MANCHESTER: A GEOGRAPHICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF TAKEAWAY FOOD OUTLETS AND A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY OF THE SOCIOCULTURAL EXPERIENCES OF TAKEAWAY FOOD CONSUMERS J L BLOW MSc 2017 A TWO-PART STUDY OF TAKEAWAY FOODS IN MANCHESTER: A GEOGRAPHICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF TAKEAWAY FOOD OUTLETS AND A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY OF THE SOCIOCULTURAL EXPERIENCES OF TAKEAWAY FOOD CONSUMERS JENNIFER LUISE BLOW A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Manchester Metropolitan University for the degree of Master of Science (by Research) Department of Food and Nutrition Manchester Metropolitan University 2017 2 Abstract Background Takeaway and fast foods take up a considerable proportion of the UK diet and the proliferation of takeaway food outlets is likely to have contributed to this issue. Food choices are shaped by many factors including the physical food environment and sociocultural factors. Aims and objectives This study aimed to explore the physical takeaway food environment and the sociocultural experiences of takeaway food consumers in Rusholme, Manchester, quantitatively and qualitatively. Methods The first stage of the study mapped takeaway food outlets using geographical information systems, which was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The second stage of the study explored sociocultural experiences of resident takeaway food consumers using constructivist grounded theory methodology. Findings Takeaway food outlets were found to concentrate on primary commercial roads, major commuting routes and small shopping parades where a mixture of ethnic minorities and university students co-reside, mostly serving a mixture of American-style fast foods. i Most schools, colleges and universities contained 1-10 takeaway outlets within walking distance. The findings from the grounded theory study showed a shift in individual time allocation for food preparation and a demand for fast, bulky, culturally acceptable, hot meals that are available 24/7. Large portions and low prices were important to a lower- income population and young people were particularly vulnerable to peer influence in consuming takeaway foods. Conclusion This research has provided valuable data regarding locations and populations which need the most attention from local governmental initiatives and it has also highlighted that many areas will be unaffected by current initiatives. It is vital to recognise local sociocultural sensitivities that influence the food choices made by the local and wider community. Contribution to knowledge The findings in this study should be utilised to inform further research, which should then collectively contribute to the evidence base for the formation of future policy regarding takeaway and fast food outlets locally and in other areas. ii Acknowledgments I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my research supervisors, Dr. Rebecca Gregg and Dr. Sumaiya Patel for their guidance, support and encouragement throughout the research process. To the research interviewees for giving up their time to contribute to this thesis and to those who permitted me to carry out my research within their organisations, I am extremely grateful. I would also like to thank those who assisted in the technical aspects of the research and the academic staff at Manchester Metropolitan University for supporting my development as a researcher. Finally, to all of my friends, family and my partner especially, thank you for your support at the times when I needed it the most. iii Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................ iii Contents ................................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures............................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... viii Chapter one: Introduction and background.................................................................................. 1 1.1 Study aims and objectives ............................................................................................. 3 Chapter two: Literature review ..................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Food choice ................................................................................................................... 7 2.2.1 Class, identity and values ...................................................................................... 8 2.2.2 Routines, traditions and novelty ......................................................................... 13 2.3 Takeaway, fast, and convenience food ....................................................................... 16 2.3.1 Uses of the literature........................................................................................... 16 2.3.2 Takeaway and fast food in the UK ....................................................................... 17 2.3.3 Takeaway, fast food and health .......................................................................... 19 2.3.4 Takeaway and fast food availability .................................................................... 21 2.3.5 Gender ................................................................................................................. 26 2.3.6 Age, identity and diaspora .................................................................................. 27 2.3.7 Socioeconomic status .......................................................................................... 30 2.3.8 Time scarcity ........................................................................................................ 32 2.3.9 Values involved in takeaway food consumption ................................................. 34 2.3.10 Family food provision .......................................................................................... 35 2.4 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 38 Chapter three: Methodology ...................................................................................................... 39 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 39 3.2 Description of Manchester and Rusholme .................................................................. 39 3.3 The study area ............................................................................................................. 43 3.4 Definition of takeaway food ........................................................................................ 44 3.5 Takeaway food outlet mapping................................................................................... 45 3.5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 45 3.5.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................... 45 iv 3.5.3 Study design ........................................................................................................ 46 3.5.4 Data collection ..................................................................................................... 47 3.5.5 Data analysis ........................................................................................................ 51 3.6 Exploring sociocultural experiences of takeaway food consumption ......................... 55 3.6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 55 3.6.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................... 55 3.6.3 Methods .............................................................................................................. 59 3.6.4 Study design ........................................................................................................ 60 3.6.5 Ethical considerations and risk assessment ........................................................ 60 3.6.6 Participant sampling and recruitment................................................................. 61 3.6.7 Data collection ..................................................................................................... 63 3.6.8 Data sorting and analysis..................................................................................... 66 3.7 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 72 Chapter four: Findings from the takeaway outlet mapping stage .............................................. 73 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 73 4.2 Geographic description of the area ............................................................................