Abstract
Despite much popular interest in food issues, there remains a lack of social justice in the American agrifood system, as evidenced by prevalent hunger and obesity in low-income populations and exploitation of farmworkers. While many consumers and alternative agrifood organizations express interest in and support social justice goals, the incorporation of these goals into on-the-ground alternatives is often tenuous. Academics have an important role in calling out social justice issues and developing the critical thinking skills that can redress inequality in the agrifood system. Academics can challenge ideological categories of inquiry and problem definition, include justice factors in defining research problems, and develop participatory, problem-solving research within social justice movements. In addition, scholars can educate students about the power of epistemologies, discourse, and ideology, thereby expanding the limits and boundaries of what is possible in transforming the agrifood system. In these ways, the academy can be a key player in the creation of a diverse agrifood movement that embraces the discourse of social justice.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 157-161 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Agriculture and Human Values |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Alternative agrifood institutions
- Consumers
- Farm workers
- Food systems
- Local food
- Organic
- Public health
- Public sociology
- Social justice
- Sustainable agriculture
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agronomy and Crop Science