Understanding Gender in Food Consumer Behaviour–A Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of gender and consumer behaviour within the food sector through a comprehensive review of 257 documents from the Web of Science database spanning 1999 to 2023. It identifies trends, themes, and emerging interests, underscoring how gender-specific dietary preferences, perceptions of food safety, and sustainability reflect broader societal norms and attitudes. The results reveal a significant annual growth rate in publications, highlighting an escalating scholarly interest in the relationship between gender and consumer behaviour within the food sector. This increasing focus is reflected in the thematic evolution detected through keyword co-occurrence and co-citation analyses. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay between established and emerging research areas, revealing a landscape where inquiries into food consumption's socio-economic and cultural dimensions complement traditional dietary studies. Building on these insights, we recommend further exploration of these complex interactions through interdisciplinary research, integrating more nuanced gender analyses to inform targeted interventions and policymaking. This approach enriches our understanding and enhances the practical implications for addressing contemporary challenges in food consumption and consumer behaviour.