Practice of Food Consumption and Fashion Choice PDF

1 Practice of Food Consumption and Fashion Choice: through a Sociological Lense Molly Housden Department of Sociology: Toronto Metropolitian University SOC 107-031 Sociology in Everyday Life Dr. Christopher Powell April 19th 2024 2 Introduction In a world where 'dress to impress' and “do not waste f...

1 Practice of Food Consumption and Fashion Choice: through a Sociological Lense Molly Housden Department of Sociology: Toronto Metropolitian University SOC 107-031 Sociology in Everyday Life Dr. Christopher Powell April 19th 2024 2 Introduction In a world where 'dress to impress' and “do not waste food” is more than just a saying, our clothing choices and food choices often speak volumes about who we are and where we belong in society. These two practices often interwrinted with broader social forces that construct and privilege a socio-cultural centre. These practices serve as powerful arguemnt of how broader social forces such as cultural hegemony, globalization and capitalism connect to the practive of clothing choices and food consumption. Through an analysis of these practices, we can understand how they contribute to the perpetuation of dominant ideologies and power structures. Some ways that these two specific practices can be modified to unpack the centre is the aim to disrupt or challenge dominant norms seen through these two social practices and also prioritize ethical and sustainable fashion brands, opting for clothing that is produced under fair labor conditions and with environmentally friendly materials. \ Explanation of Practices This essay will be analyzing two social practices that are connected to broder social forces, clothing choices and food consumption. In analyzing clothing choices this essay will explore the specific garments, styles, colors, and patterns people tend to select over othersanalyzing clothing choices this essay will explore the specific garments, styles, colors, and patterns people tend to select over others.When it comes to clothing choices, each selection tells a story. The clothes we choose often reflect our personalities and how we wish to present ourselves to the world. How you choose outfits for different occasions or moods, have certain preferences for certain brands or materials, are all related to the social aspect of the 3 concept fast fashion and how we are prone to the sociological norms of what we should wear or buy. For food consumtipin and choices, this essay will explore the types of foods you eat and how socileatal factors are at play in the ways we consume food. How eating is based on social expectations and norms, this includes food preferences, like vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore, and how culture preferences are intertwined into this practice. Both clothing and food choices are also influenced by external factors such as societal norms, trends, and availability The first sociology article I'll be examining is "Food Social Practices; Action Theory and the Modern Battle, for Nutrition " by Lorenzo Domeneschi. Domenesh applies Pierre Bourdieus theory of practice to explore the issue of food inequality. The research delves into how nutrition influences status and inequality emphasizing the correlation between food access and socioeconomic standing (Domaneshchi, 2012). This aligns with my research question on how eating consumption is related to social forcers. societal disparities and how the author argument that food choices are influenced by norms than being solely individual decisions (Domaneschi, 2012). The analysis prompts a reevaluation of how we perceive and assess nutrition advocating for an approach that considers social and economic factors in relation to food practices. Domeneskys work contributes to our comprehension of nutrition as a constructed concept underlining the necessity for a thorough and inclusive research approach, towards food practices and quality (Domaneschi, 2012). The second peer-reviewed sociological article that I will be reviewing is “Positioning Food Cultures: ‘Alternative’ Food as Distinctive Consumer Practice” by Jessica Paddock who examine how “alternative” choices in food consumption are often seen as distinctive consumer 4 practices that set individuals apart from mainstream consumer culture (Paddock 2016). These practices are not only about the food itself but also about the meanings and identities associated with it (Paddock 2016). For example, consuming organic food may be seen as a way to express environmental and health concerns, as well as a desire for authenticity and connection to food production.The author also reflects on how alternative food practices are influenced by broader social and cultural trends, such as concerns about food safety, environmental sustainability, and ethical consumption (Paddock 2016). Paddock suggests that these practices are part of a larger cultural shift towards more mindful and conscientious consumption. Paddocks research has shown how traditional ideas of food, identity, and consumer culture resonate with and are reflected in different types of alternative food practices, taking a closer look at how such practices are framed and accepted in mainstream society. (Paddock 2016). This article connects to the research question of how food consumption in regards to organic choices and alternatives are connected to broader social forces. The third peer-reviewed sociological article that I will be examining that is connected my my second sociological practice of fashion choices is the article, “The Feeling of Being Dressed: Affect Studies and the Clothed Body” by Lucia Ruggerone draws on affect studies to explore clothing’s mediating connection within our embodied lives. How are emotions are connected to our clothing choices. His work explores how our clothes help to constitute our emotional states, and how we variously act upon and think through our surroundings with our garments (Ruggerone 2015). For Ruggerone, this is not simply a functional and aesthetic issue: her extensive research with the philosopher Laura Marchisi makes a case for the affective nature of dressing, demonstrating how fabric qualities, styles and colours can trigger emotional states, or 5 serve as bodily therapy,unearthing and expressing senses of ourselves in the world (Ruggerone 2015). The study also considers how clothing mediates relationships with others, both in terms of how we are perceived by others, and conversely how we perceive them. How clothing is connected to more societal approaches and norms. Ruggerone argues that, in this sense, clothing helps to construct a sense of belonging and connection, or also that of segregation and Distinction (Ruggerone 2015). In this sense, as a whole, Ruggerone’s work argues that to better understand human experience and identity we must also focus on the affective dimensions of clothing. His study is part of a growing literature where researchers are working to understand clothing as an inherent part of how we navigate life, and feel.How clothing choices are not really A individual choice but a chose made to show others about our self expression. The last peer reviewed sociological article that I will be discussing in regards to fashion Choices is “Sociology of Fashion” by Sellerberg Ann-Mari, and Aspers Patrik. Ann-Mari Sellerberg and Patrik Aspers' study looks at the sociology of fashion. It explores the social dynamics and structures that shape how fashion is made, distributed, and consumed. It answers the question how fashion is connected to economic and social process. (Selerberg et al 2015). The study shows that fashion is not just about clothing. It's also about the cultural, economic, and social processes that influence our choices and views on style (Selerberg et al 2015).This can help me argue how power structures are at play with regards to fashion choices. Sellerberg and Asper argue that fashion is a way of communicating socially (Selelrberg et al 2015). It reflects and shapes our identities, values, and beliefs. The study examines how fashion trends emerge and evolve, often ,influenced.The study also considers the role of power and inequality in the fashion industry, highlighting how certain groups or individuals may have more 6 influence over trends and styles. Sellerberg and Aspers suggest that fashion can be both a tool for social change and a reflection of existing power dynamics within society.These four articles go to show that fashion choices and food consumption are not merely personal preferences but are deeply embedded in social, cultural, and economic contexts. Analysis There are many ways that clothing choices and food consumption is related to broader social forces such through the concepts of globalization, capitalism, and cultural hegemony just to name a few. The concept of clothing choices and food consumption may be associated with cultural hegemony through the ways in which dominant cultural norms and values are strengthened and maintained. Cultural hegemony, a developed by Antonio Gramsci, refers to the domination of a culturally diverse society via the ruling class, who manage the lifestyle of that society so that their worldview will become the familiar cultural norm (Gramsci). In terms of clothing choices, cultural hegemony can be seen inside the approaches wherein certain fashion traits or styles are promoted through the fashion industry and media, often reflecting the values and aesthetics of the dominant tradition. For example, Western fashion trends may be promoted as worldwide standards of splendor and style, influencing how humans round the sector perceive and cost garb choices. Similarly, in food consumption, cultural hegemony can take place thru the promotion of positive cuisines or nutritional practices as superior or greater ideal. For example, western fast food chains may be visible as symbols of modernity and development, main to the globalization of Western dietary behavior and the marginalization of conventional food cultures.In both cases, cultural hegemony operates thru the dissemination of 7 cultural values and practices that beef up the dominant ideology. Clothing picks and meals intake can hence be understood as practices that aren't only stimulated through cultural hegemony but alsomake contributions to its renovation via normalizing and perpetuating dominant cultural norms and values. In regards to the consume of globization, global forces are increasingly influencing food consumption and clothing choices, leading to greater diversity and hybridity in both sectors The practice of food consumption and clothing choice is closely linked to capitalism as well through processes such as market development, consumerism and commodification. In a capitalist economy, food and clothing are produced and distributed through market mechanisms motivated by the profit motive. This includes the availability, affordability and availability of foodand clothing options. Capitalism also promotes a culture of consumerism, where individuals are constantly encouraged to buy goods and services to satisfy their wants and needs This includes food and clothing choices through new products, trends and positioning on the tree. For example, the fashion industry is constantly introducing new products to stimulate consumer demand and encourage repeat purchases. Capitalism turns food and clothing into commodities that are bought and sold in the marketplace.Food consumption and clothing choices are closely related to power dynamics, reflecting and being influenced by social hierarchy and cultural norms. Economic forces shape these behaviors through the availability of a variety of food choices and fashionable clothing, while cultural forces determine food and style preferences and social forces derived from social relatons influence how alignment with values ​and access to influence exclusive groups. These practices reflect and even challenge power relations: they can reinforce existing structures through projections of social status and cultural capital, but they can also undermine values ​through expressions of 8 individuality and upon the ethical practices recommended. Ultimately, these behaviors affect individuals’ sense of self, social interactions, and broader environmental and social influences, emphasizing the need to seek successful empowerment on a daily basis emphasis on the use of materials.Because of the ongoing influence of power, food consumption and clothing choices maintain social social norms, privilege certain groups, and reinforce and dominate the social and cultural center For example is, economic power often provides access to unusual food and clothing options. Or it could reinforce the center by promoting dress codes as desirable while demeaning others. However, these actions can also disrupt the center by challenging dominant norms and power structures. For example, sustainable or ethically sourced food and clothing choices may disturb the center by questioning prevailing economic and cultural practices. These disruptive practices can challenge the rights of beneficiaries of central norms, creating space for new voices and practices in society. Synthesis and Proposition Practices of food consumption and clothing choices are intricately linked to social and cultural centers that represent standardized social aspects of life and privilege certain individuals or groups. Centrality is reinforced by the perpetuation of existing social hierarchies and cultural norms, as seen in the availability of exclusive food and clothing options or the promotion of certain styles in fashion however these practices also destroy centers by challenging dominant norms and structures of power. play a role in the formation and reconfiguration of the cultural space, drawing attention to the complexity and fluidity of social norms and identities. Changes could be made that aim to disrupt or challenge dominant norms and power structures. For example, in terms of food consumption, could make an effort to support local and sustainable food producers, thereby challenging the dominance of large-scale 9 industrial agriculture. This change would not only align my practices with ethical and environmental considerations but also contribute to a broader movement towards food sovereignty and local empowerment.In terms of clothing choices, prioritizing ethical and sustainable fashion brands, opting for clothing that is produced under fair labor conditions and with environmentally friendly materials. This change would challenge the dominance of fast fashion and its exploitative practices, while also supporting the growth of an alternative fashion industry that values ethical production practices. Conclusion In conclusion, the practices of food consumption and fashion choices are deeply intertwined with broader social forces, reflecting and shaping cultural norms, electricity dynamics, and societal systems. These practices are often indicators of our identities, values, and social positions, frequently reinforcing the socio-cultural center that privileges certain people or agencies. However, they also have the capacity to disrupt the middle via tough dominant norms and strength structures. By analyzing those practices thru the lenses of globalization, capitalism, and cultural hegemony, we are able to understand how they make contributions to the perpetuation of dominant ideologies and strength structures, whilst additionally presenting avenues for resistance and subversion. By making conscious modifications to our practices, along with helping nearby and sustainable meals manufacturers and opting for moral fashion brands, we are able to task dominant norms and make contributions to a greater equitable and sustainable society. 1 0 References Domaneschi, L. (2012). Food social practices: Theory of practice and the new battlefield of food quality. Sociology Compass, 6(9), 681-691https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.lib.toron tomu.ca/doi/full/10.1177/1469540512456919 Paddock, J. (2016). Positioning food cultures: ‘Alternative’ food as distinctive consumer practice. Journal of Marketing Management, Sociology, 32(15-16), 1419-1441. https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.lib.torontomu.ca/doi/full/10.1177/00380385155854 74 Ruggerone, L. (2015). The feeling of being dressed: Affect studies and the clothed body. Fashion Theory: The Journal of Dress, Body & Culture, 19(2), 237-260. https://www-tandfonline-com.ezproxy.lib.torontomu.ca/doi/full/10.1080/1362704X.2016.1 253302 Sellerberg, A.-M., & Aspers, P. (2015). Fashion, Sociology of. In J. D. Wright (Ed.), International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (2nd ed., Vol. 8, pp. (345-348).https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304183558_Fashion_Sociology_of