Nourishing the Nation: Food as National Identity in Catalonia

Nationalism has seen a surprising resurgence in the Western world, particularly in the Catalan Autonomous Community in northeastern Spain. Nourishing the Nation provides an ethnographic account of the everyday experience of national identity in Catalonia through the focus on food.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

In the early twenty-first century, nationalism has experienced a remarkable resurgence across the Western world. In the Catalan Autonomous Community in northeastern Spain, this resurgence has been particularly evident in the widespread support for Catalonia's pro-independence movement and the pervasive assertion of Catalan symbols, culture, and identity in everyday life.

Nourishing the Nation delves into an ethnographic exploration of the everyday experience of national identity in Catalonia, utilizing a ubiquitous and essential object of consumption: food. As a vital component of Catalan cultural life, a focus on food offers a distinctive perspective on the lived realities of Catalan nationalism and how Catalans perceive and express their national identity in contemporary times.

The book begins by situating the resurgence of nationalism in Catalonia within the broader context of global political and social transformations. It explores how the Catalan independence movement has emerged as a response to the historical marginalization and oppression of Catalan culture and identity, as well as the broader challenges facing Spain and Europe in the aftermath of the financial crisis and the rise of populist movements.

Through a series of ethnographic vignettes, Nourishing the Nation provides a rich and nuanced account of how food plays a central role in shaping and expressing Catalan nationalism. The authors examine the various culinary traditions and practices that are deeply intertwined with Catalan culture, from the traditional Catalan cuisine to the contemporary fusion of Catalan and Mediterranean flavors. They explore how food is used as a means of cultural preservation, identity construction, and social bonding within Catalan society.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of food in fostering a sense of collective identity among Catalan citizens. The authors argue that food is not just a matter of individual consumption but is also a shared cultural experience that binds Catalan people together. They highlight how Catalan cuisine is celebrated and promoted as a symbol of Catalan identity, and how it is used to commemorate important historical events and celebrate cultural traditions.

Furthermore, the book explores how food is used as a tool for political mobilization and activism. The authors note that the pro-independence movement in Catalonia has been heavily influenced by the use of food as a means of promoting a shared sense of Catalan identity and promoting a sense of belonging among Catalan citizens. They explore how food festivals, culinary competitions, and other food-related events have been used to raise awareness about the independence movement and to mobilize support for it.

In addition to its focus on food, Nourishing the Nation also delves into the broader cultural and social implications of Catalan nationalism. The authors examine how the resurgence of nationalism has impacted Catalan society, including the tensions between different generations, the role of language and culture in shaping national identity, and the challenges of maintaining a diverse and inclusive society in a region with a strong sense of regional identity.

Overall, Nourishing the Nation offers a compelling and insightful account of the everyday experience of national identity in Catalonia. Through its focus on food, the book provides a unique perspective on the lived realities of Catalan nationalism and how Catalan citizens perceive and express their national identity in contemporary times. The book is a valuable contribution to the field of anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, and will be of interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of national identity and the role of culture in shaping it.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800732032