Celebrity Chefs, Food Media and the Politics of Eating

Joanne Hollows explores the impact of celebrity chefs on our thinking about food and cooking, shopping, and eating, using case studies to analyze how they shape food practices and wider social, political, and cultural trends. She also shows how they have become food activists and campaigners, intervening in contemporary debates about the environment, food poverty, and nation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Joanne Hollows, a scholar who works across the fields of food studies and media studies, delves into the profound influence of celebrity chefs on our perceptions of food, cooking, shopping, and eating. Through her research, Hollows uncovers the fascinating journey of celebrity chefs as they rose to prominence in both the restaurant and media industries, transforming individuals like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay into global icons. She also sheds light on the emergence of new types of branded food personalities through blogs and YouTube, such as Deliciously Ella and BOSH!. In addition to offering a comprehensive introduction to existing research on celebrity chefs, Hollows employs case studies to examine how these culinary figures shape food practices and broader social, political, and cultural trends.

Hollows delves into the impact of celebrity chefs on various aspects of our lives, including ideas about veganism, healthy eating, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She explores how their advice is intertwined with issues of class, gender, and race, and how they have become influential food activists and campaigners who intervene in contemporary debates about the environment, food poverty, and nation. Through her analysis, Hollows demonstrates how celebrity chefs have not only transformed the way we consume food but also played a significant role in shaping public discourse and policy.

One of the key findings of Hollows' research is the way in which celebrity chefs have become cultural brokers, connecting people from different backgrounds and cultures through food. They have used their platform to promote sustainable and ethical food practices, advocating for local produce and reducing food waste. By showcasing the versatility and accessibility of healthy food, celebrity chefs have helped to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive and diverse food system.

Furthermore, Hollows highlights the role of celebrity chefs in shaping public attitudes towards food and health. Through their television shows, cookbooks, and social media presence, they have been able to educate and inspire people to make healthier food choices. Their advocacy for plant-based diets, for example, has contributed to a growing awareness of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and has encouraged more people to adopt a more plant-based approach to their eating.

However, Hollows also acknowledges the challenges and criticisms associated with the rise of celebrity chefs. Some argue that their focus on celebrity and spectacle can overshadow the importance of traditional culinary skills and the craft of cooking. Others criticize their advice for being overly simplistic or promoting unhealthy food choices, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Despite these concerns, celebrity chefs continue to exert a significant influence on the food industry and society as a whole. Their ability to captivate audiences, create popular culture, and shape public opinion makes them powerful agents of change. As Hollows concludes, the study of celebrity chefs offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between food, culture, and power, and highlights the need for critical engagement with the role of these culinary figures in our lives.

In conclusion, Joanne Hollows' research on celebrity chefs provides a comprehensive exploration of their impact on our perceptions of food, cooking, shopping, and eating. Through her analysis of the emergence of celebrity chefs in both the restaurant and media industries, the role of blogs and YouTube in shaping new types of branded food personalities, and the case studies that examine how celebrity chefs shape food practices and wider social, political, and cultural trends, Hollows sheds light on the complex relationship between food, culture, and power. By highlighting the positive and negative aspects of celebrity chefs' influence, she encourages us to critically engage with the role of these culinary figures in our lives and to consider the ways in which they can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350337442