Food Practices and Family Lives in Urban China

This book examines the evolving relationship between food and family in contemporary China by conducting an empirical case study of Guangzhou. It explores the daily food practices of middle-income households and aims to analyze themes such as material and emotional domestic cultures, family relationships, and social connections between the domestic and the public. It will be of interest to sociologists, anthropologists, human geographers, and post-graduate students studying food studies and Chinese studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between food and family in contemporary China, employing an empirical case study of Guangzhou, a typical city, to unravel the rich tapestry of everyday life in the emerging consumerist society. The central theme revolves around the dynamics of middle-income households in Guangzhou, where the mundane yet profound act of food consumption takes center stage. From growing food to shopping, storing, cooking, feeding, and eating, every aspect of food practices becomes a catalyst for understanding the intricacies of family life.

The book's objective is to conduct a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of various themes, including material and emotional domestic cultures, family relationships, and the intricate connections between the domestic and the public spheres. By examining family food practices, the book seeks to shed light on the complex web of cultural, social, and economic factors that shape food consumption patterns within the context of urban Chinese families.

This book appeals to a wide range of scholars and readers, including sociologists, anthropologists, human geographers, and postgraduate students with a keen interest in food studies and Chinese studies. It offers a valuable contribution to the field, providing both academic audiences with a deep understanding of the latest critical engagements with urban Chinese families and general readers with a broader perspective on food consumption patterns within the realm of domestic and family issues.

Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, this book paints a vivid portrait of the evolving relationship between food and family in contemporary China, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of modern society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367515553