Eating Together in the Twenty-first Century: Social Challenges, Community Values, Individual Wellbeing

This book explores communal food and dining practices,challenging less sustainable lifestyles and emphasizing the concept of belongingness when eating. It offers insights from diverse societal settings and interdisciplinary research areas,such as environmental impact,social inclusion,happiness,health,and well-being. It bridges the gap between science,governance,professional practice,and everyday dieters,providing hands-on benefits and insights for researchers and policymakers in food studies,food policy,cultural studies,gastronomy tourism,psychology,global health,religion,and spirituality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate world of communal food and dining practices, offering a profound exploration of the diverse societal contexts in which individuals and communities come together to share meals. Through its insightful narratives, it challenges the unsustainable lifestyles perpetuated by a social system driven by limitless economic growth. By examining the multifaceted aspects of eating together, the book sheds light on the concept of belongingness, or the absence thereof, experienced by individuals in various dining settings. It explores the why, how, and what of communal eating, raising thought-provoking questions about the future of our food and eating practices.

The book encompasses a wide range of themes, drawing examples from diverse geographical regions such as Finland, Algeria, Europe, and Asia. These examples encompass a diverse array of topics, including environmental impact, social inclusion, happiness, health, and well-being. By highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of these issues, the book underscores the importance of approaching food and eating from a holistic perspective.

The book delves into the lived experiences of diners, exploring the contexts in which commensality takes place within the family circle and within communities. It emphasizes the crucial role that eating together plays in satisfying deep-seated social needs, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the book bridges the gap between science, governance, professional practice, and everyday dieters, providing valuable benefits and insights that resonate across a wide range of disciplines.

Researchers and policymakers in the fields of food studies, food policy, cultural studies, gastronomy tourism, psychology, global health, religion, and spirituality will find this book of immense interest. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of communal food and dining practices, as well as for developing innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities associated with our food systems.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking and enriching exploration of the world of communal food and dining practices. It challenges our existing perspectives, encourages introspection, and provides valuable insights into the future of our food and eating practices. By embracing the power of communal eating, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive world where food is not just a source of sustenance but a catalyst for social connection and well-being.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032447698