This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
Free Meals on the Table ¶
With the rise of online dating, a new trend has emerged where women go on dates not in pursuit of a relationship, but to get a free meal. This phenomenon, known as a 'foodie call,' has become increasingly popular, especially among women who are not economically empowered.
According to a study published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, 23% to 33% of women in the UK have engaged in a 'foodie call.' The study found that women who believe in traditional gender roles, such as men being the breadwinners and women being housewives, were more likely to make 'foodie calls.'
Researchers also noted that 'foodie calls' could occur in many types of relationships and could be perpetrated by men as well as women. The study analyzed a set of questions from 820 women, with 40% reporting they were single, 33% in committed relationships, and 27% in other relationships.
Interestingly, the study found that women who had engaged in a 'foodie call' believed it was more acceptable, while most women believed it was unacceptable. The study's co-author, Dr. Brian Collisson, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, noted that several dark traits have been linked to deceptive and exploitative behavior in romantic relationships.
While the study focused on women in the UK, it's likely that the trend of 'foodie calls' is not unique to this region. In Kenya, for example, the majority of people live in poverty, and many women are not economically empowered. As a result, 'foodie calls' may be more common in Kenya, where women may go to great lengths to get a free meal.
It's worth noting that 'foodie calls' can be deceptive and exploitative, especially when women use them to get free meals from men. However, the study also highlights the complexities of relationships and the ways in which women may navigate them in pursuit of economic empowerment.
