The Sociology of Food and Agriculture

by Carolan; Michael

• ISBN13: 9780415698511
• ISBN10: 0415698510
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-04-19
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

As interest has increased in topics such as globalization of the agri-food system, food security and food safety, there are a growing number of courses in disciplines including agriculture and food studies. This book is an introductory textbook aimed at undergraduate students, and is suitable for those with little or no background in sociology. The author starts by looking at the recent development of agriculture under capitalism and neo-liberal regimes and the transformation of farming from a small-scale, family-run business to a globalized system. The consequent changes in rural employment and role of multinationals in controlling markets are described. Topics such as the global hunger and obesity challenges, GM foods and international trade and subsidies are assessed as part of the world food economy. The second section of the book focuses on community impacts, food and culture, and diversity. Later chapters examine topics such as food security, alternative and social movements, food sovereignty, local versus global, and fair trade. All chapters include learning objectives and recommendations for further reading to aid student learning.

Table of Contents

List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes	p. vii
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Introduction	p. 1
Global food economy	p. 13
The changing structure of agriculture: Theoretical debates and empirical trends	p. 15
Understanding the food system: Past, present and future	p. 40
Malnutrition: Hidden and visible	p. 66
Community, culture, and knowledge	p. 91
Community, labor, and peasantries	p. 93
Food and culture	p. 129
Agrobiocultural diversity and knowledge transfer	p. 156
Food security and the environment	p. 177
How much is enough?	p. 179
Agroecosystems and the nature of "natures"	p. 204
Food, agriculture, and the environment	p. 223
Alternatives	p. 247
Alternative agrofood networks	p. 249
Avoiding the "traps" in agrifood studies	p. 271
Looking back... and forward	p. 292
Index	p. 310
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