Taboos and excesses: lay health moralities in middle class families

Abstract

The paper is based on a multi‐interview qualitative study of whole family groups. The sample comprised a randomly selected group of home‐owning, middle‐class couples, each with two children. It was hypothesised that, by virtue of their socio‐economic circumstances, such a group would be likely to have a positive view of health; to be receptive to health education messages; to be less likely to engage in health‐damaging behaviour; and to have sufficient material resources to provide an environment conducive to health promoting practices. The study aimed to understand health‐related beliefs and behaviours within the social contexts of everyday domestic and work life. It was evident that knowledge about health was not necessarily translated into behavioural practices, even in a health promoting environment. Differences also existed between respondents' initial accounts of their ‘usual’ behaviours and the detailed descriptions of their daily lives obtained in later interviews. A concern for good health was simply one amongst many competing sets of priorities which affect daily behaviours. Choices amongst such priorities often included wider social and moral evaluations. This paper focuses on the role of such evaluations in respondents' accounts of health; in their everyday health‐relevant decisions; and in interactions between family members. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved