The symbolization of eggs in American culture: a sociologic analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that the recent decline in egg consumption in the United States was, in part, the result of a food scare that began in the 1960's.


METHODS
Using the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, the frequency of articles about eggs, dietary cholesterol and heart disease in popular magazines was obtained. A content analysis was performed on a random sample of these articles.


RESULTS
The increased trend in magazine articles and public statements by groups such as the American Heart Association linking eggs, blood cholesterol and heart disease is associated with the downward trend in egg consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
Public exposure to negative messages about particular foods can contribute to a decline in their consumption. Exposure to more consistently positive messages about foods can bring about an increase in the consumption of those foods.
McIntosh
W A
WA
Department of Rural Sociology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-2125, USA. w-mcintosh@tamu.edu
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003469:Culture; D004531:Eggs; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000639:trends*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D011050:Policy Making; D012931:Social Environment; D013561:Symbolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary