Food, Drink and Culture - Term Paper Example

 Food, Drink and Culture Critically evaluate the usefulness of social class as a concept with which to understand people’s relationship with food and/or drink in contemporary society Introduction There are various arguments that have been derived on the concept of taste with the implication that taste is a socially constructed phenomenon. This is to say that the way food tastes and the choices that one makes as relates to the type of food they consume is largely governed by various social factors. Man in his nature is omnivorous and should ideally eat all plant and animal materials in equal proportions. However, these proportions differ significantly from various social classes. There are cultural rules that govern what is defined as good to eat, the way it is prepared, the way it is served and these also differ when considered from one social class to another. These cultural factors construct the way taste is interpreted by different people. Various issues like class, gender, religion, family preferences among others are some of the factors that govern what people eat. It is in light of this that differences have been encountered among family members whereby some favour certain types of food at the expense of others. Taste arises out of the need for social recognition and status allowing that one purposely consumes certain types of food in order to be identified with certain social classes. Hence taste governs all of a person's consumption behaviour and is ultimately the means of expression of one's social class. Different social classes can openly be identified by the way in which they dress, the social gatherings like musicals and art galleries they like to attend. But one often overlooked aspect is that of food as an expression of social class. In using the term “social class” it is not implied or equated to the aspect of income or other monetary possessions. Quite contrary, aspects of habit are among the leading factors that govern one's eating preferences (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). This paper will introduce the concept of social class and through it, understand the dynamic factors that affect one's taste preferences. This will be done through an in-depth analysis of some of the factors of social class that govern one's taste like gender. The effect of post-modernism will also be factored in to aid with further understanding its effects on food habits. This multidimensional approach will be utilized to evaluate the usefulness of social class as a concept with which to understand people's relationship with food and/or drink in contemporary society. Social class Definition of social class According to the Marxist materialistic model, possession and non-possession have been implicated as intricate factors in the definition of social class; that those with more material possessions by extension have got an elevated level of social class. Quite contrary to popular to popular beliefs, social class is not a factor of material possessions (Swartz, 1997: 163-164). Various papers have created a link between the aspect of social class and materialistic possessions but this is not the case (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). Others have looked to other non-economic aspects to define the concept of social class in a manner that shifts attention from the economic perspective. Social class can also be determined through the accumulation of a series of different forms of capital. When considered in light of economic terms, capital is considered the result of any activity that engages in production. The results of these finished products are what for new resources for use in the production of other goods. This can be exemplified in the development of a food production industry that in turn leads to the processing of other form of food products. Hence both these products are different forms of capital even though they are both measures of social class (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). One type of capital (the finished products from the food processing plant) directly leads to capital gain while the other (the food processing plant) provides one with the knowledge to produce other goods (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). This implied that capital is also considered in the form of a particular level of knowledge that one has about a particular product that enables them to produce other products. When considered in light of this, social class can thus be equated to the level of knowledge that one possesses about a certain concept that enables them to achieve monetary gain. And by extension, social class in relation to food can be considered in light of the various levels of knowledge that one possesses that allows them to make decisions about the type of food that they would prefer to consume. How social class determines what you eat Social class can thus determine the eating patterns of a person when considered in light of knowledge that is passed on from parent to offspring. When a child is born, parents are responsible for teaching that child everything they need to survive. And feeding is the first human needs that parents meet right from the time these children enter this world. These children are provided with meals of a certain type every day from the time they are babies up to the time they can become independent enough to make their own decisions. It is at this point that feeding habits are developed through the use of repetitive provision of a certain kind of food to this child. The child then grows up with the knowledge of consumption of certain types of food and in a certain order. As a result, when this child becomes of age to make their own decisions about how to feed themselves, most often than not, they replicate the feeding patterns that they were brought up with. Habitus achieved in such a manner refers to the everyday situations, actions, practices and choices that tend to go hand in hand with a particular walk of life (Ashley, 2004: 64-65). It provides one with certain preference as to the way they perform certain functions rather than the way other do them. It is a concept commonly used to explain the reason why one person does something in one way in contravention to the way another person would accomplish the same task. The establishment of habits through a careful process of up bring is done not with the intention of determining one's likely actions but with the hope that one will most likely adopt such practices in favour of others (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). Social construction of taste Social class can be derived from a form of cultural capital that results from possession of a type of knowledge and familiarity with cultural product that allows a person to understand their nature of operation (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). In addition, they are able to say more about the type of food and evaluate them as relates to other types of food possibly in the same category. It is because of this familiarity derived from previous knowledge that a taste for certain foods is constructed. It is perceived that previous knowledge is obtained through a process of indulgence in a particular habit as in seen in parents offering children certain foods as they grow up. This information is passed on from one generation to another creating a cycle of social class as relates to taste. Passed ownership of certain food related items can also increase the likelihood of one's consumption of such food (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). This is seen in the case of wine and vineyards whereby the upbringing and final inheritance of a vineyard and cases of wine can predispose one to the knowledge and love for fine wine. How food consumption varies between the classes Through the exchange of different forms of capital, classes can be derived through the possession of different forms of capital from the broader concept of economic capital. In this manner, different forms of class categories are often derived in the form of upper class, middle class and working class. Within these classes, there are significant distinctions that can be made as relates to their tastes and preferences for various food items. Food consumption thus varies between people of different classes owing to the different levels of culture from which they are derived. Food can be perceived to be a factor of capital and more specifically money because without money, then acquisition of food may become limited or even impossible. There are those who acquire legitimate cultural capital such that their tastes are determined by the very fact that they have the money to purchase the food products. Through the process of education and individual effort, one is able to acquire a large amount of capital in the form of money. They are thus able to afford certain types of foods that are considered appropriate for those with a higher social standing (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). Some of these foods are not those that they grew up consuming and become acquired tastes of some sort. It is perceived that such expressions of learned tastes do not have the same status and social standing as those that are natural. It is stipulated that in order for one to fully understand certain tastes then they must have been brought up with the appreciation of those tastes (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). It is only in such a situation that they can be sustainable. This concept explains the over-indulgence phenomenon commonly associated with the group of people that have got learned or acquired tastes. The middle class is often perceived as possessing very interesting habits as relates to their food preferences. Socially, they often aspire to become like the upper class segments and mostly “ape” the behaviour exhibited by these classes (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). As such, their tastes and preferences conform to the tastes of the dominant class to whose position they aspire. It is only in such a manner that they are able to separate themselves from the working class. This group however has a medium level of economic capital and very little cultural capital. It is for this reason that they eating habits are blindly copied from their upper class counterparts as far as their economic capital allows (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). Their acquisition of such tastes is characterized by over-conventionality and over-conformity through a process of immense effort and application. Within these groups, food choices when they go to restaurants are often geared towards the choices of the upper class. In so doing, they often feel out of ease and may struggle a lot to enjoy the food they order. The working class on the other hand eats food simply out of the necessity to gain satiety and get on with life (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). This group is often limited in economic capital and may not have enough money to go around purchasing expensive food items no matter how socially good they are perceived to be. This makes their food choices unpretentious, useful, convenient and practical. They often prefer foods prepared in the house through some conventional cooking methods that are considered healthy. Their idea of eating out is often simple and geared towards the more ready meals in canteens and supermarket restaurants. Post modernism Definition of post modernism The concept of the influence of social class of the social construction of taste if considered partial and has been heavily criticized over the years. This is because of the obvious processes of rationalization, democratization and industrialization that have brought about significant changes to the lives and preferences of individuals (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). It is however stipulated that people are no longer restricted by the wider social structural processes like social class. It is perceived that people are individualized and free to make their own choices and their resulting identities. Society has undergone a process of fragmentation in which traditional structures have been broken down to change the way in which people construct their personalities and identities. It must be understood that identity is an innate factor and that one is born with their genetic traits determining their identity (Swartz, 1997: 163-164). Environmental factors interact with the innate characteristics of an individual to determine their personality traits. Emphasis on values, attitudes and preferences places identity in the realm of the mind thus reducing it to a cognitive process. As such, identities change quite often resulting from the environmental factors within our surrounding. Post-modernism time line Modernization has evolved over the years from the time when it was almost non-existence to a time when its events have shaped the very way in which people interact with each other and with their environment. During the pre-modern times that were characteristic of the period leading up to the 1600's, there was a lot of emphasis on religion (Featherstone, 1991). Religion was the benchmark for many decisions that were made at the time. The church had a central role in moulding the choices that people made. Superstitious beliefs were also quite rampant at the time giving rise to the concept of magic. The use of magic was also very prominent at the time as people engaged in such practices to further their interest. It is possibly at this time that the religious beliefs surrounding food may have originated as with the way certain religions prohibit the consumption of certain foods. Certain foods were also used for purposes of magic that further restricted their consumption at the time (Williams, 2000). Modernism was the second stage in the achievement of modernization. This characterized the period between the 1600sand the 1950's. At this time, science was taking an increasing role in society (Featherstone, 1991). There were very many scientific inventions at the time that were meant to make people's lives much easier. Rationalism was a concept that was highly promoted at the time allowing people to make knowledgeable decisions. At this point science played an active role in food decisions by basing their facts on the nutritious nature of various foods based on logic and facts. Scientific methods of food preservation and production were also developed at the time governing people's food choices especially if food could be made available throughout the year through complex preservation methods. Post-modernism is the last stage in the achievement of modernization that began from the 1950's (Williams, 2000). It was characterized by a different approach to life. More refined processes of living were established with the implication of art and play in daily life. People developed complex emotions that governed the nature of choices that they made in life. There was also a lot of chaos as people sought to define their identities. Food choices in this era are marred by a lot of complexity connected with the ever growing need for people to define their identities. Role of women The modern woman is nowadays considered to be a very busy woman who is found inside boardrooms instead of the conventional kitchen. Previously, women's roles were confined to the household, specifically the kitchen but this is increasingly diversifying. Women are working more and as such have limited time to prepare meals for their families and even for themselves. They are resorting to readymade meals that are prepared in restaurants and other public eating places (Warde and Martens, 2000). In essence, more readymade meals are finding their way into the dinner table as an increasing number of women are faced with their busy lifestyles. Role of Media Media also has a way of advertising that simply makes one resort to a certain type of food in relation to another. Taste is thus constructed through the use of advertising appeals that change the way a person perceives the product (Ashley, 2004). Habit may thus have a little role to play in the food choices that a person makes when it comes to advertising appeals. The media will thus make one buy some types of food when it is advertised because of the nature in which it attaches it importance. Media depicts that social class is attained through the use of various products thus people purchase these products so that they can claim status with such a class. Some of these items that are advertised may even be non-essential and cause further harm to one's health. This is as realized with the McDonald's form of advertising in which their products were attractively advertised to entice several young people to purchase their products (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). This advertising appeal made their product especially popular among young people to the extent that some made it their daily meal. This led to a variety of health problems that included obesity which presents with a series of life threatening conditions. Trends Trends within the food industry come and go; this is to say that a food that is once popular ceases to be popular after some time. And other that are considered unpopular at a certain time eventuality gain popularity. This is achieved through the use of advertising and endorsement by celebrity chefs (Swartz, 1997: 163-164). This is seen in the case of polenta which used to be considered a peasant's dish but is now quite fashionable and consumed by some of the members who consider themselves to be upper class. Pork belly was also cheap in previous times owing to its low demand and consumption by locals. It is now a premium class food item that is most sought after in the market. Hence food can be “fashionable” and be the most popular trend in the market. And just like fashion clothing, it comes and goes with seasons. Gender Definition Gender refers to the cultural definition of the various roles that male and female species are attributed to in society. It has its basis on the cultural aspects of society because it attributes varying roles to both men and women (Lugosi, 2013). Sex Sex refers to the biological orientation that determines whether a person is male or female (Lugosi, 2013). Differences between Sex and Gender Gender provides an understanding of what should be considered male or female. It does this through various attributes that are attached to such roles that provide an understanding of what should be male and what should be female. This implies that when a person does to perform the roles and comply to the attributes that are associated to them by their gender then they fall short of expectations and are considered less masculine or feminine. This is seen in the case of clothing whereby certain clothes as attributed to males and other to females. A person who wears clothes that are less associated with their gender is considered less masculine or less feminine (Lugosi, 2013). With sex, there are only two biological orientations that are humanly possibly hence a person is considered either male or female depending on their biological orientation. Gender specific food Consumption of food and drinks has been highly gendered such that eating and drinking patterns are governed by gender. Women are noted to be more concerned about their body image and are often dieting in a bid to improve their body image and attain that perfect figure (Grogan, 2008). It is because of this that women are commonly depicted consuming more salads and low calorie drinks. Males are also concerned with their body image and seek to improve their muscle tone. They seek to become more muscular allowing them to engage in excessive consumption of food and drink (Wilson, 2005). It is because of this reason that males are commonly perceived to be eating steak and drinking beer (Sobal, 2005). Effect of environment on gender Environment and upbringing also plays a fundamental role in the way gender is affected in society. Children are born with a certain sexual orientation as either male or female. As they grow up, they are taught the type of behaviour that is expected from people of their sexual orientation (Lugosi, 2013). This is effected in dressing styles and the roles that they are given as they are young. They also observe what other members of their gender are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do. As a result, when one becomes an adult, they are able to relate to these roles better by basing it on their past experiences. There are increasing incidences whereby the concept of gender is not fixed. Drinking is an activity that was previously attributed to the masculine gender. This is because it was considered an indulgent activity that left the person unable to compose themselves and control their behaviour in public. But it has been noted with concern that an increasing number of women have also taken up the role of drinking and are now being found in bars together with the men (Pratten & Lovatt, 2007: 90-97). They are opting for the high end bar stools which are considered uncomfortable bearing their feminine nature. They are engaging in drinking in public places and publicly displaying unreserved emotions, a thing that would have made them less feminine in the past. This begs the question of the role of child development in the definition of gender because it is clearly making an impact. Conclusion In conclusion, social class is a useful concept in providing an understanding of people's relationship with food or drink in contemporary society. Food choices, personal tastes and preferences are largely governed by the social constructs in society (Seymour, 2004: 1-22). Social class is a concept that is commonly approached from an economic perspective. Because most people attribute social class to the state of having a lot of money such that one can afford anything they wish. However, social class in this paper has also been explored from a cultural and habitual perspective. The perception that one can also be wealthy not because of the value of goods that they have, but because they have the knowledge to produce such goods (Sloan, 2004: 1-22). Knowledge is an important factor in the determination of social class and is one of the factors that allow the development of habits that in turn govern food consumption choices among people. The multidimensional method of looking at social class as the only determining factor for people's food choices has its limitation. It bases its analysis on the fact that people do not have identities (Williams, 2000). It is because of this that other aspects of analysing food choices have been explored. The other aspects of gender and post-modernism also have a role to play in one's food choices. Society has evolved from the postmodern era that was characterized by religion to the modern era characterized by science and technology (Featherstone, 1991). The current post modern era is characterized by a myriad of factors each of which has got a role to play in food choices. Society is more chaotic as each person is trying to find their identity in the world. The lives of people are governed by a lot of art and plays which in turn govern the food choices that they make. These activities are all determinants of social class and the nature with which people feed. A careful analysis of the dynamic nature of food choices has to be done to allow for proper judgments to be made on the matter. This is because as much a social class is a determinant of food choices, it should not be used in exclusion of other factors because of the constantly evolving needs and perceptions of the consumer. References Ashley, B. (2004). Food and Cultural Studies. 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