Physical and food literacy: a holistic approach to public health?

Topping, C., Kopela, J., Gibson, I. and Whitelaw, A. (2019) Physical and food literacy: a holistic approach to public health? In: Whitehead, M. (ed.) Physical Literacy Across the World. Series: Routledge studies in physical education and youth sport. Routledge: London. ISBN 9781138571556

Abstract

Contrary to what has tended to be reflected in everyday understanding, ‘literacy’ of any kind is clearly so much more than a focus on intellectual development and acquisition of information and skills. When appreciated as fundamental to our self-efficacy, confidence, empowerment, understanding and meaning, literacy becomes a profound and powerful way of experiencing life and the world around us. From a health and wellbeing systems perspective, it therefore offers a very different way of considering health and health improvement. Literacy affords the opportunity to move away from our longstanding affinity with cognitive development and presumed behaviour change strategies that overlook the fundamental role of the social and emotional context in shaping peoples’ health outcomes (Vidgen, 2016). In Dumfries and Galloway, ‘Physical and Food Literacy’ (PFL) is being explored and developed in a way that could significantly impact on the lives of individuals, communities and the environments and systems that can enhance lives. This chapter describes the conceptual and practical processes that have been undertaken in the Dumfries and Galloway region to begin to define the theory of physical literacy, start to move it into practice and ultimately ‘operationalise’ (Chen, 2015) the concept.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: Hardback ISBN: ISBN 9781138571549 ; eBook ISBN: 9780203702697.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gibson, Miss Isla and Whitelaw, Dr Alexander
• Authors: Topping, C., Kopela, J., Gibson, I., and Whitelaw, A.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9781138571556