The Impact of New Health Imperatives in Schools

This study is grounded in case study methodology: questionnaire and interview data from teachers and pupils was collected across a sample of secondary schools in the UK, along with a thorough analysis of current health policy materials within selected schools.
This has been achieved through analyses of 90 in depth interviews and questionnaire responses from 1176 young people across a diverse range of backgrounds aged between 9-16 years old. 19 Interviews with teachers and staff were also conducted across the 8 schools. In addition to this, at each school, copies of health and PE programmes, school policies, textbooks, websites and other relevant resources were collected.

<p>This research project will explore how health measures relating people's weight, physical activity and diets (such as annual weight checks, fingerprint screening in school canteens, removal of vending machines) are being re-contextualized in schools, and impact young people’s and teacher’s identities, health, well being and rights. This is in light of evidence that increasing numbers of adults and young people are now experiencing forms of body dissatisfaction and problematic relationships with food and physical activity.

The study is part of a wider international collaborative research project with partner institutions in New Zealand and Australia. Collectively, these sociological studies provide a unique contribution to emerging international debates on obesity, health policy and young people.</p>