Research

Journal articles, chapters

"Warrior, Builder, and Weaver Work," — by Elise Benveniste — last modified June 20, 2008 02:36 PM

G. W. Stevenson et al. have developed an analytical framework for interpreting food systems change as a social movement. This framework focuses on the strategic orientation of change activities, and their organization into three types: warrior, builder, and weaver. These three types reflect differences in framing processes, mobilizing structures, and perceived policital opportunities. Warrior work is the conscious resistance to the modern agrifood system. It is political because it seeks to change the attitudes and beliefs of society through legislative reform, public protest, research and analysis, and via boycotts. Builder work reflects the "reconstruction orientation to change. " It is the work of local food system entrepreneurship; supporting alternative agriculture, parallel markets, and distribution demands. Weaver work is movement building through outreach and organizing, creating linkages between builder, warrior work, and civil society. The authors argue that each of these change orientations require compelling narrative frames, and that weaver work especially must engage in coalition building, with each other, but also with other change communities in order to increase the potential for creating significant change. G. W. Stevenson et al., "Warrior Builder, and Weaver Work," in Remaking the North American Food Syste, ed. C. Clare Hinrichs and Thomas A. Lyson (Lincoln, NE: UNiversity of Nebraska Press, 2008).

Consumer Interest in Food Systems Topics: Implications for Educators — by Jan Perez and Phil Howard — last modified June 20, 2008 02:10 PM

Abstract: To assist consumers in understanding food system issues and to help them make informed choices, educators first need to engage their interests. To identify widely held consumer interests, focus groups informed a random sample survey conducted in the Central Coast region of California. Survey respondents reported the most interest in the safety and nutrition of their food, as well as in the external impacts of how their food was produced. Correlational analysis was used to explore characteristics and behaviors associated with these interests. The results offer strategies for public issues educators to target or structure food system related education initiatives.