Lauren London

Graduation Semester and Year

2009

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

First Advisor

Ben Agger

Abstract

The intended purpose of this paper is to consider how 100 calorie snacks are primarily advertised and produced for women. Little research has been done on 100 calorie snacks as they were introduced to the food market in 2004. Portioned control snacks came to be another way for the food industry to prey on women's insecurities about their looks and their weight. Although 100 calorie snacks are marketed as a sensible snacking tool they are geared towards women as a weight loss product. First, I examined what society believes is the "idealized" woman and how many women strive to become this "ideal". Then I looked how the "idealized" women led to the low-fat and non-fat diet craze of the early 90's and how the phenomenon manifested itself. Then I move on to examine the advertisements women view and how they affect the opinions women have about themselves. Likewise, I examined how food companies advertise their food and what their main objectives are when advertising. Finally, I look at 100 calorie snacks and their part in the diet craze of the new century called "healthy lifestyle." What exactly are 100 calorie snacks and how are they geared towards women? Also, what is the reality behind these 100 calorie snacks?

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

Download

Included in

Sociology Commons

Share

COinS