Kaukab Tahir Shairani
August 28th, 2020

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Learning to cook open a world of opportunity (photo: Archives)

A new study conducted by the Arla Foundation has revealed that “girls are far more diligent in the kitchen than boys”.

The study ‘Children, Young People and Food 2020’ found that 43 percent of girls in the 6th and 7th grades (ages 12-14) had been helpful with cooking chores at home over the past week. In contrast, only 33 percent boys participated.

Sanne Vinther, the head of the Arla Foundation, is surprised that more girls are helping in the kitchen [in 2020] than boys. Parents have a big task ahead of them, she emphasised.

The company, on a yearly basis, welcomes 3,000 children to MADlejr schools, which enable 6th and 7th graders to work in the kitchen for a week and learn about eating habits and sustainability. Of the total, the foundation asked 1,000 students to participate in the research.

Girls endure the greater load
While the study found that boys are just as active when it comes to preparing dinner, the gender difference is 10 percentage points in the morning, and 17 percentage points at lunchtime.

Among other factors, motivation plays a role. Some 67 percent of girls like to cook, but only 44 percent of boys share the enthusiasm. In addition, girls often find themselves motivated to help their parents. Boys, on the other hand, treat it as a duty.

Furthermore, 40 percent of the boys stated that they ‘rarely’ enter the kitchen because “they do not feel like it”. However, only 24 percent of the girls offered a similar explanation.

Promoting food education
Vinter points out that it is crucial for children to learn to cook and that boys must be equipped to do so in the best possible manner.

The research project aims to promote general food education, healthier eating habits and lifestyle among young people.

The Arla Foundation runs two food camp schools, and over 3,000 Danish pupils visit the camps every year.