MTU Library Catalogue

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A sociology of food and nutrition : the social appetite / edited by John Germov and Lauren Williams.

Contributor(s): Germov, John | Williams, Lauren, 1958-.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: South Melbourne, Vic. ; Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2008Edition: 3rd ed.Description: xvii, 425 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.Content type: text Media type: unmediated Carrier type: volumeISBN: 9780195551501 (pbk.).Subject(s): Food habits -- Social aspects | Food -- Social aspects | Nutrition -- Social aspects | Food habits | Social theory | Cultural studies | Cultural studies: food & society | Food and DrinkDDC classification: 394.12 SOC Summary: The authors introduce readers to the field of food sociology. The text is designed to be used as both a general reader, bringing together many of the key authors in the field and focusing on topics that dominate the literature, as well as a teaching text on the social aspects of food and nutrition.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Status Barcode
General lending MTU Kerry North Campus Library First Floor Main 394.12 SOC (Browse shelf(Opens below)) Available 38888000888770
General lending MTU Kerry North Campus Library First Floor Main 394.12 SOC (Browse shelf(Opens below)) Available 38888000888788
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A Sociology of Food and Nutrition: The Social Appetite 3e introduces readers to the field of food sociology, by comprehensively examining the social context of food and nutrition. Leading Australian and international authors in the field provide a contemporary analysis of the social factors that underlie food choice, exploring the socio-cultural, political, economic and philosophical factors that influence food production, distribution and consumption.

Previous ed.: 2004.

Formerly CIP. Uk

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The authors introduce readers to the field of food sociology. The text is designed to be used as both a general reader, bringing together many of the key authors in the field and focusing on topics that dominate the literature, as well as a teaching text on the social aspects of food and nutrition.

ITT Module CULN 71002

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Preface (p. vii)
  • Acknowledgments (p. x)
  • Contributors (p. xi)
  • Acronyms and Abbreviations (p. xvi)
  • Part 1 An Appetiser (p. 1)
  • 1 Exploring the Social Appetite: A Sociology of Food and Nutrition (p. 3)
  • Part 2 The Food System: Globalisation and Agribusiness (p. 25)
  • 2 World Hunger: Its Roots and Remedies (p. 27)
  • 3 Unsustainable Food Production: Its Social Origins and Alternatives (p. 58)
  • 4 Agribusiness, Genetic Engineering and the Corporatisation of Food (p. 78)
  • 5 Operating Upstream and Downstream: How Supermarkets Exercise Power in the Food System (p. 100)
  • Part 3 Food and Nutrition Discourses, Politics and Policies (p. 125)
  • 6 The Politics of Government Dietary Advice (p. 127)
  • 7 Functional Foods and Public Health Nutrition Policy (p. 147)
  • 8 The Public Health Nutrition Workforce: A Sociological Review (p. 176)
  • 9 Risk, Maternal Ideologies and Infant Feeding (p. 205)
  • 10 The Government of the Table: Nutrition Expertise and the Social Organisation of Family Food Habits (p. 224)
  • Part 4 Food Consumption, Social Differentiation and Identity (p. 243)
  • 11 Culinary Cultures of Europe: Food, History, Health and Identity (p. 245)
  • 12 Food, Class and Identity (p. 264)
  • 13 Humans, Food and Other Animals: The Vegetarian Option (p. 281)
  • 14 Food and Ageing (p. 307)
  • Part 5 Food and the Body: Civilising Processes and Social Embodiment (p. 327)
  • 15 Constructing the Female Body: Dieting, the Thin Ideal and Body Acceptance (p. 329)
  • 16 The Social Construction of Eating Disorders (p. 363)
  • 17 Sociological Analysis of the Stigmatisation of Obesity (p. 381)
  • Glossary (p. 401)
  • Index (p. 418)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This odd collection of articles brings up many diverse points about food; some are good, some are horrid. With some, the bias of the writer prevents a balanced presentation. For example, one chapter states that "Western neo-Marxist is the only position that provides an adequate analysis of world hunger." Though this may be the chapter author's view, other views are inadequately presented. Another contributor states that "capitalist agriculture is extremely likely to cause environmental problems." While this may be true, it fails to inform readers that other forms of agriculture do the same. For first-time readers, several approaches should have been included: data are needed on parts of the paper with unsupported assertions, e.g., data showing the degree of environmental damage of each type of agriculture would give statements validity; selection of two diametrically opposed authors to cover controversial subjects; improved bibliographies--e.g., in one chapter only a few of the 34 references had dates beyond 1990. Some chapters do an excellent job of introducing issues associated with body image, obesity, food consumption, and functional foods; others, such as "The Hyper-Rational Social Appetite," need less jargon or better explanation to drive home the intended points. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students. J. M. Jones; College of St. Catherine

Author notes provided by Syndetics

John Germov is Associate Professor of Sociology and Head of the School of Humanities and Social Science at the University of Newcastle. He is a former President of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA).
Lauren Williams is Senior Lecturer and Head of the Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, and an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian.