Food as ritual, routine or convention

Abstract

This paper looks at the importance of understanding situations and context in food consumption focusing on the rituals, habits and conventions of eating meals. It argues that meals provide a link to the wider community reflecting the shared understanding that underpins much of our routine food consumption. In looking at meals, as objects and events, it argues that they offer continuity with the past and reflect cultural ideas about eating “properly”. Drawing on research among recently married or co‐habiting young Scottish couples it shows the importance attached to eating evening meals together and a strong adherence to tradition while accommodating more variety and scope for individual preferences in different parts of the meal system. It concludes that meal rituals and routines are likely to remain an important part of eating despite claims about the individualisation of this consumption practice.

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