Challenging deficit discourse in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition and dietetics research: A critical discourse analysis

Abstract

Prior to colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples used detailed knowledges on food and nutrition to develop sustainable practices which supported strong and healthy ways of life. Despite this, there is often a focus in the nutrition and dietetics literature on the deficits relating to food and nutrition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, rather than the strengths. This study used a critical discourse analysis to investigate how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are portrayed in the discourse of peer-reviewed research relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition and dietetics. In doing so, this study explored the extent to which these portrayals perpetuate deficit discourse and the implications of this for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health, and nutrition and dietetics research. Four prominent themes were identified: problem describing, comparison, acknowledgment of colonisation and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. The results indicate that deficit discourse dominates nutrition and dietetics literature, and a lack of strengths-based discourse is evident. This study brings awareness to, and emphasises the importance of, challenging and changing these discourses to ones that are more strengths-based.

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