PSYC 123: The Psychology, Biology and Politics of Food

Lecture 17 - The Politics of Food I: How Politics Affects National
Nutrition Policy (Guest Lecture by Rogan Kersh)
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Overview:

Guest lecturer Professor Rogan Kersh describes the politics of food and nutrition as they relate to obesity. He describes how the U.S. Government has regulated individual behavior in the past, specifically with alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, and charts the associated triggers that move these spheres from being purely private to subjects of public regulation. Professor Kersh then connects these public policy movements and compares the triggers to the area of food and obesity. He concludes by suggesting lessons from previous policy areas that can be applied to political action with obesity and food.

Reading assignment:

Brownell, Kelly D. and Marion Nestle. "The Sweet and Lowdown on Sugar (OpEd)." New York Times, 23 January 2004, p. A23

Falbe, Jennifer L. and Marion Nestle. "The Politics of Government Dietary Advice." In A Sociology of Food & Nutrition: The Social Appetite, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008, pp. 127-146

Kersh, Rogan and James A. Morone. "Obesity, Courts, and the New Politics of Public Health." Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 30 (2005), pp. 839-868

Class lecture:

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