Linking Tortilla Price Policies To Household Food Consumption And Child Nutritional Intake: Potential Outcomes Of Globalization In Rural Mexico

Globalization or the integration of economies and societies through trade, investment, finance, information, technology, and labor flows is an inescapable feature of the world today. Globalization has been affecting our lives at various levels, and understanding the pathways linking globalization to individual outcomes such as health and nutrition is crucial to formulating effective health and nutrition policies in future. In studying the effects of globalization on individuals and populations, however, different disciplines have used different approaches in definition, measurement, and conceptualization of outcomes of globalization. Thus, the agenda for empirical research especially of an interdisciplinary nature is yet to be clarified. With this background, the purpose of this paper is to review and examine the currently available evidence on potential pathways through which globalization can affect the nutritional status of households and individuals. Furthermore, after discussing the presently available conceptual frameworks linking globalization and nutrition, a conceptual model will be presented, calling for a better, more thorough development of a widely accepted framework. Finally, future challenges and implications for research and policy will be discussed.