Effects of Globalization on the Use of the Mediterranean Diet in Spain

McGee, Jacob J. (2014) Effects of Globalization on the Use of the Mediterranean Diet in Spain. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Kathy Knight from Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

Spain is known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and incredible foods. The Mediterranean diet of Spain is praised for its health benefits, but recently it appears that the population has begun to turn away from their original diet. Studies have shown that the Spanish have been experiencing a constant culture change due to globalization since the 1950s when the General Francisco Franco allowed the technocrats to have some control over the government. With a new economic policy, new people and their new ideas flooded the country bring with them their cultures. These cultures influenced the Spanish life changing many parts of it including its diet. Using data collected from El Ministerio De Agricultura, Alimentación Y Medio Ambiente and El Instituto Nacional de Estadistica data was tested to see if the change in diet was actually occurring. Three tests were ran, one testing the rate of eating in home compared to at hotels and restaurants, one testing the adherence to traditional Mediterranean foods compared to those considered Western, one testing the adherence to olive oil. The results showed that the rate at which Spaniards were eating at hotels and restaurants was increasing greater than the rate of eating at home. There was a decrease in adherence to traditional Mediterranean while adherence to Western foods increased. These tests suggest that the diet is changing. The literature on the subject points to the cause being that of a cultural change caused by globalization. These changes could cause possible health risks in the future.

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