Food, Politics, and Society

This book examines the interplay between social theory and food practices, providing insights into how they shape modern society. Food, Politics, and Society is a valuable resource.

Food and drink have played a crucial role in shaping modern social theory, tracing back to the rise of agrarian capitalism and the industrial revolution. Throughout history, influential thinkers such as Adam Smith and Mary Douglas have employed essential concepts like identity, exchange, culture, and class to analyze and interpret the complexities of the modern food system. Their insights provide a foundation for understanding how food and drink are intertwined with societal structures and relationships.

Food, Politics, and Society presents a thorough historical and sociological examination of the ideas and practices that have influenced our perceptions of food production, processing, preparation, serving, and consumption in contemporary societies. The book is organized into twelve chapters, each enriched with a diverse array of historical and empirical examples. This structure allows readers to grasp the multifaceted interactions between social theory and the food system in a clear and engaging manner.

As a resource, Food, Politics, and Society is ideal for courses across various disciplines, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of how social dynamics and food practices are interrelated. It serves both as an academic text and a thought-provoking exploration for anyone interested in the sociological aspects of food and drink in modern life.