Anthropology (Sociology?) and Food: Diversity in Scope, Approach and Evidence

Abstract

The social anthropology of food and eating displays considerable diversity in theoretical approach, research strategy and substantive focus. Raises the question of whether this form of diversity is located within the discipline or whether it results from drawing on work from other disciplines. Compares selected works in social anthropology with works in sociology, a relative newcomer to the field. Reviews three “matched” pairs of studies; two each investigating attitudes between dietary complexity and socio‐economic aspects, two on gender and drink, both alcoholic and non‐alcoholic, and two on cuisines in comparative cultural and historical perspective. Proposes that the study of food and eating is an especially appropriate arena in which to develop systematically a more considerable cross‐disciplinary fertilization.

Citation

Murcott, A. (1992), "Anthropology (Sociology?) and Food: Diversity in Scope, Approach and Evidence", British Food Journal, Vol. 94 No. 7, pp. 14-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070709210018988