Chapter 3 The development of alternative production and consumption activities related to food safety and security and associated gender issues

Abstract

In Japan, since an outbreak of mass food poisoning in 2000, consumer interest in food safety and security has increased, focusing on activities such as Chisan-Chishō (Local Production, Local Consumption), Slow Food, and LOHAS. Activities related to food safety and security in Japan have a strong local character, are moving toward industrialization, are not bound by tradition, and can be said to be activities in pursuit of alternative forms of consumption and development. In Japan, most supporters of Slow Food, LOHAS, and Chisan-Chishō have been women. In societies where production is important, consumption has been entrusted to women. Therefore, activities related to food safety and security are tied to social reform with women in central roles. Receiving social recognition, these activities develop business opportunities, move toward globalized industrialization, and, in a gendered society centered on men, become activities with men in central positions. Gender in the area of food does not allow women to take part in production and distribution and is moving to exclude women. To secure women's position in food, it is necessary to industrialize according to women's ways such as maintaining the viewpoint of living nature, mutual support, collective leadership, and networking.

Citation

Nakamichi, H. (2010), "Chapter 3 The development of alternative production and consumption activities related to food safety and security and associated gender issues", Bonanno, A., Bakker, H., Jussaume, R., Kawamura, Y. and Shucksmith, M. (Ed.) From Community to Consumption: New and Classical Themes in Rural Sociological Research (Research in Rural Sociology and Development, Vol. 16), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1057-1922(2010)0000016006