Using ethnobotanical, anthropological and social science theory and methods this
work illustrates significance of studying traditional foods and their medicinal qualities
for maintaining health. Set in the background of the communities¿ practises and
rituals specific plant-based items, used by Sikh and Ukrainian migrant communities,
are a central focus to understanding the significance of practises and related
knowledge for maintaining health and the broader concept of ¿well-being¿. Literature
review, participant observation and in-depth interviewing techniques were used to
identify 126 species of plants mentioned. These illustrate what was a primarily
female domain of knowledge now becoming superficial and spread over domains of
both men and women. This study notes convenience in terms of time and transport,
changes in markets in the UK, importation of goods and the use of machinery and
techniques such as freezing, and intervention by healthcare professionals have all
affected the way traditional foods and remedies are perceived and practised. There
are key foods which will remain important for generations to come whilst the domains
are changing. Specific community structures support maintenance of food practises,
including langar within the Sikh community and the regular OAP Ukrainian
lunchtime club and numerous food events where foods with particular religious and
cultural significance are made by at least two generations. These events involve
transmission of knowledge related to foods and their health qualities, including
images of strength as a ¿people¿. By questioning the significance of emic perspectives
healthcare professionals and policymakers could learn much from practises developed
over centuries or millennia.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/5396 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Grey, Charlotte Jane |
| Contributors | Pieroni, Andrea, Torry, Bren |
| Publisher | University of Bradford, School of Health Studies |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, doctoral, MPhil |
| Rights | <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>. |
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