Sociology on the Menu is an accessible introduction to the sociology of food. Highlighting the social and cultural dimensions of the human food system, from production to consumption, it encourages us to consider new ways of thinking about the apparently mundane, everyday act of eating. The main areas covered include:* The origins of human subsistence and the development of the modern food system* Food, the family and eating out* Diet, health and the body image* The meanings of meat and vegetarianism.Sociology on the Menu provides a comprehensive overview of the literature, particularly helpful in this interdisciplinary field. It focuses on key texts and studies to help students identify major concerns and themes for further study. It urges us to re-appraise the taken for granted and familiar experiences of selecting, preparing and sharing food and to see our own habits and choices, preferences and aversions in their broader cultural context.
Author(s): A. Beardsworth
Edition: 1
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 288
Book Cover......Page 1
Title......Page 4
Contents......Page 5
List of figures and tables......Page 10
Preface......Page 11
INTRODUCTION......Page 12
THE ORIGINS OF HUMAN SUBSISTENCE......Page 24
THE MAKING OF THE MODERN FOOD SYSTEM......Page 43
SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON FOOD AND EATING......Page 58
FOOD, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY......Page 84
EATING OUT......Page 111
CHANGING CONCEPTIONS OF DIET AND HEALTH......Page 136
FOOD RISKS, ANXIETIES AND SCARES......Page 161
DIETING, FAT AND BODY IMAGE......Page 184
THE MYSTERIOUS MEANINGS OF MEAT......Page 204
THE VEGETARIAN OPTION......Page 229
SUGAR AND CONFECTIONERY: SWEETNESS IN THE HUMAN DIET......Page 253
EPILOGUE......Page 265
Bibliography......Page 271
Author Index......Page 282
Subject Index......Page 286