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The Symbolization of Eggs in American Culture: A Sociologic Analysis

Department of Rural Sociology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

Address reprint requests to: Wm. Alex McIntosh, PhD, Department of Rural Sociology, 2125 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2125. Email: w-mcintosh{at}tamu.edu

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.

Key words: food scare, eggs, dietary cholesterol, heart disease