27/7/2023

Success criteria:

• I can define ethical and sociocultural concerns

• I can identify similarities and differences between ethical and sociocultural concerns

Terms & Definitions:

Ethical concerns revolve around aligning choices with personal morals or values.

Sociocultural concerns are issues and challenges that arise from how people interact and are
influenced by their social and cultural surroundings.

Sociocultural factors refer to the various social and cultural influences that shape individuals, groups,
and societies attitudes, behaviours, beliefs, and values. These factors include education, cultural
norms and socioeconomic status.

Sociocultural & Ethical Concerns:

─ What we eat and how we think about food can be shaped by both ethical and sociocultural
concerns. Sociocultural concerns examine how our community or society influences out
attitudes and behaviours. Ethical concerns, on the hand, are more about what we
individually believe is right or wrong. These two areas often overlap and intersect.

Ethical concerns:

─ Ethics are about how we use our action to prove our perspective on what’s right or wrong.
Ethical concerns could include fair payment for farmers, animal welfare, environmentally
friendly way of farming. Ethical concerns are what make good food better.

Sociocultural concerns:

─ Sociocultural refers to two words; society and cultural and put together it refers to the
values, behaviours, and norms that are part of a specific community or society.
─ Sociocultural concerns are issues that matter to specific groups of people in society. Different
groups can have different concerns based on influencing factors such as their background,
education, income, where they live, their age, their gender and other parts of their identity. 

Similarities between ethical and sociocultural concerns:

─ Both ethical concerns and sociocultural concerns are based on values and beliefs held by
individuals or specific groups within a society. Both concepts are subjective in nature, as they
are influenced by personal perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Both ethical concerns and
sociocultural concerns can influence individuals’ behaviours and choices, particularly in the
context of food decisions.

Differences between ethical and sociocultural concerns:

─ Ethical concerns primarily are based on moral principles and considerations of what is right
or wrong. On the other hand, sociocultural concerns are more specific to particular groups,
communities, or societies. Ethical concerns in the food system often focus on issues such as
animal welfare, environmental sustainability, fair treatment for workers, and health impacts.
Sociocultural concerns, on the other hand, emphasise the values, behaviours, and norms
 within specific groups or communities. They may include considerations like religious or
cultural dietary restrictions, and traditional food practices.
─ Ethical concerns are often discussed at an individual level, emphasising personal moral
responsibility and decision-making. Sociocultural concerns are more group based, focusing
on the values, beliefs, and norms shared within a specific group or community. They are
influenced by social interactions and cultural dynamics.
─ In summary, ethical concerns tend to be focused on broader moral principles, while
sociocultural concerns are more context-specific, shaped by the values and norms within
particular groups or communities. However, both concepts play significant roles in shaping
food choices, behaviours, and the overall food system.

Questions:

1. What does ethics refer to when it comes to food choices and the food system? 
How individuals believe what’s right or wrong and use their action to prove their beliefs. In
food system, ethical concerns could include fair pay for farmers, treating animal well,
environmental value and sustainability.
2. What are some examples of ethical concerns people may have about Australia's food
system?
Animal welfare, climate change, deforestation, ethical concerns relate to food distribution,
food labelling.
3. What are some examples of sociocultural, concerns people might have about Australia food
system?
Different cultures might have different food preference, dietary or nutrition needs (Australia
is a multiculture country), so in Australia food security to ensure appropriate food access to
different culture might be an example in Australia food system.
4. What is the difference between ethical and sociocultural concerns?
Ethical concerns primarily are based on moral principles and considerations of what is right
or wrong. On the other hand, sociocultural concerns are more specific to particular groups,
communities, or societies.
5. Why is it important that food producers understand and address sociocultural concerns in
the food system?
So they able to produce appropriate products to the consumers to meet any concern that
they might have on food productions.