Socialization for Scarcity: Child Feeding Beliefs and Practices in a Haitian Village

摘要

In Haiti, the population's failure to achieve nutritional well-being is due more to food shortages related to the deteriorating economic situation than to inadequacies in Haitians' knowledge of nutrition. So concludes this detailed study of the food-related beliefs and behavior of a community of peasant cultivators in Haiti's Cul-de-Sac Plain. Part One of the study presents information on food-related beliefs and practices in regard to maternal feeding and child growth during pregnancy, postpartum care and feeding of mothers and infants, supplements to breastfeeding, and weaning. Part Two describes the village food supply system, including the role of the kitchen, the use of fuel and water, food sources and distribution patterns, food purchasing and trading practices, and the hunger-related effects of deteriorating food supplies. Part Three covers the daily preparation and distribution of food in village kitchens and the process of socializing children to cope with food scarcity.