Browsing by Author "Nuutinen, Lotta"

The purpose of this study was to find out what kind of drinks and foods are taken into matriculation examination as packed lunch, which factors influence the choice of packed lunch contents and what kind of role does packed lunch play in the context of matriculation examination. The theoretical framework covers e.g. the definition of a proper meal and its comparability and polarity towards increasing use of snacks and both of their relations to packed lunch. Individual and social factors related to food choices are also covered in the theoretical background. Matriculation examination is a unique event in the context of eating whereupon studying packed lunch can enlighten the cultural and social meanings between food, the individual and society. With help of previous research and by answering the above proposed research questions the aim was to uncover what makes ’a proper packed lunch’ in this context. The study was carried out as a qualitative study. The data was collected using an online survey. The link to the survey was shared in Lukiolaisten liitto´s Instagram Stories for 24 hours and the link was also shared with acquaintances of the author. The data consists of 96 responses (N=96) and the analysis was carried out using content analysis. The results of this study implicate that those who participate in matriculation examination take a variety of different foods and drinks with them. Eight factors behind packed lunch choices were identified: The most common factors were that packed lunch was easy to eat and snack. Other factors were that participants liked the contents and they were filling, they did not disturb others when eaten, they were familiar, and nourishing. The remaining individual factors were categorized in the ’other’ category. The roles of packed lunch were to function as a provider of energy and maintainer of physical performance. Packed lunch also brought comfort, strength and cheer. In addition, packed lunch served as a break and a substitute for meals and proper food. The factors influencing choices and the roles given to the packed lunch often overlapped in the responses. Based on the results a proper packed lunch in matriculation examination consists of a bread product, fruit and some treat as well as water and some other drink. Even though the contents of packed lunch appeared to be more of a snack type, they were seen as a substitute for meals and proper food. Based on the findings it can be concluded that thoughts and practices regarding packed lunch contents, factors influencing the choices and roles are to some extent shared in the culture.