Eating practices: Social and cultural aspects of hunger and fullness

Abstract

The objective of the thesis is to describe and discuss how hunger and fullness are practiced (Mol and Law 2004), and emerge as multiple objects (Mol 2002). Within a theoretical framework inspired by Actor Network Theory and material semiotics, this is accomplished through a critical discussion and analysis focusing on bodily sensations and engagements, touching upon three themes: 1) nutritional knowledge and its relation to bodily engagement, pleasure and agency; 2) conceptualisations of ‘good food’ through bodily aesthetic evaluations and 3) how engrained bodily routines become obstacles to dietary changes. Methodologically the work is based on multi-site ethnographic study comprising three fieldworks among a) conscripts doing basic military training; b) an experimental performance theatre combining high-end gastronomy with performance and c) patients who have gone through obesity surgery at a public hospital. Through notions of partiality (Strathern 1991), multiplicity (Mol 2002) and performativity (Law 1999) the thesis attempts to develop a novel approach by drawing on aspects of material semiotics and Actor Network Theory, yet combining these with a more ethnographic orientation. In so doing, the work offers an implicit critique both of much of the sociology of food and the science of food and nutrition.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherDepartment of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen
Number of pages108
Publication statusPublished - 2013

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