Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

1350

Date

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Sociology

Committee Chair

Wesley James

Committee Member

Wanda Rushing

Committee Member

Jeni Loftus

Abstract

This research analyzes food deserts in Memphis, Tennessee. Recent social science research has uncovered the existence of urban food deserts using quantitative measures. However, there has not been substantial research gathering the personal experience of residents. Through quantitative and qualitative methods I identify neighborhood disparitites in food deserts. Using data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) and the Economic Research Service (ERS), I address structural inequalities of access and availability of food. I also use focus group interviews to understand navigational stratigies employed by food desert residents. FIndings reveal Memphis/ Shelby County is home to food desert neighborhoods and that the educational status of a neighborhood is a primary predictive factor. Qualitative findings show structural barriers they overcome in obtaining food, navigational stratigies, and financial and transportation difficulties faced as a result of having few food options.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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