The Globalization of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders have long been (incorrectly) recognized as a phenomenon belonging to Western culture.

A study performed in the 1990s with adolescent girls in Fiji revealed an alarming increase in binging and purging behaviors that had previously been almost non-existant in the culture. This trend in eating disorders directly correlates with the advent of television broadcasting on certain parts of the island, where the ideal type for body shape had long been described as jubu vina (well-formed) [Source: Anne E. Becker, Body, Self and Society, (c) 1995, University of Pennsylvania Press, p.50].

Traditionally, in Fiji, men have regarded large calves as an attractive feature on a potential partner, noting that a woman with a strong frame is better able to keep up with hard work. Since the 1990s, this cultural ideal has been changing.

For this week's recipes I'm going to point you over to this post on Earthy Family, where you can find a number of traditional Fijian recipes with photos. Enjoy!