Incorporating family interactions and socioeconomic variables into family production functions: The case of demand for meats

This article develops a framework for analyzing food consumption that relies on the models of Lancaster and Becker, and takes into account production within the household, preferences for various food attributes, and noneconomic family characteristics. Using a data set on purchases of a variety of meat types in Israel, the analysis shows that much of the variation in food consumption patterns are explained by life style differences and socioeconomic factors. In particular, we find that variables such as the cook's attitude towards cooking, family feedback, time constraints, and religious observance, in addition to income, provide an understanding of the purchase of various meat products and the choice between ready-to-eat versus unprepared foods. A strong preference for consuming a variety of meats is observed, and family preference for particular meat products is an important determinant of consumption. These results provide information for a market segmentation strategy [EconLit Subject code: L660].