In his essay “Toward a Psychosociology of the Contemporary Food Consumption”, Roland Barthes discusses the concept that food is not just a substance to be consumed, but a form of communication. According to Barthes, specific foods can suggest certain situations or contexts. For instance, while a regular loaf of bread may symbolize everyday life, a pain de mie signifies a festive atmosphere. Barthes emphasizes that food should be understood for its connotations rather than its literal qualities. He elaborates on three main themes related to food: commemoration, anthropology, and health.
The passage discusses the symbolic nature of food, using the example of a coffee advertisement that emphasizes taking a break rather than its caffeine content. This demonstrates how food can represent broader cultural contexts. The author suggests an ongoing relationship between food and culture, where they mutually influence each other.
In his book “Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgment of Taste,” Pierre Bourdieu explores how those in power control taste, which is related to aesthetics. He argues that aesthetics contribute to creating distinct social groups based on class and further dividing them. Bourdieu highlights that one’s aesthetic preferences are shaped by their social background instead of financial wealth.
Bourdieu’s analysis reveals that people are born into an existing cultural environment and form their understanding of taste during childhood. This plays a significant role in shaping how they perceive aesthetic concepts. Afterward, individuals either accept or reject the aesthetic preferences of different social classes. Nonetheless, Bourdieu stresses that regardless of personal choices, the dominant class often has a strong influence on other classes’ tastes. As a result, economically and culturally disadvantaged groups feel pressure to conform to the dominant aesthetic preferences to avoid being seen as uncultured or lacking in taste.
In regards to Barthes’ argument, I share the belief that food has become a form of communication. However, I also maintain that the actual content of the food holds significant value in addition to its role as a means of communication. When examining food, both the act of using food as a form of communication and the actual substance of the food itself hold importance. An example can be seen at UCSD’s farmers market, where students gather at the campus quad every Tuesday during lunchtime to enjoy unique and tasty foods that are not available on campus. This allows them to take a brief respite from their usual study routines.
The concept of a farmers market represents a departure from classes and studying, while also highlighting the unique and exotic nature of the food available to consumers. If the campus dining halls or Price Center’s food court offered items like Torpasta (pasta wrapped in bread) or Lemongrass Chicken Bowl (boasting a delectable special sauce), or if these dishes were not inherently delicious, the farmers market would not have been successful. Few would be motivated to travel to the main quad to consume ordinary or subpar food, despite the notion of an enjoyable break that the farmers market presents.
Regarding Bourdieu’s theory on Distinction, I agree that an individual’s taste preference is mainly shaped by their social background rather than their economic status. Additionally, I concur that the dominant class has the power to dictate the aesthetic notion of taste compared to those who are dominated. However, in today’s society with ample resources allowing exposure to new experiences, there are a few exceptions that challenge Bourdieu’s theory. Five Guys Burger serves as an example of such defiance.
If you visit this fast food restaurant, you will quickly see that it boasts about having the top burger in the nation. The burger’s amazing flavor and authentic French fries have received commendation from both CQ magazine and newspapers, all while being reasonably priced. Despite social class distinctions, there is a chance that individuals from higher classes may develop a strong liking for Five Guys’ $5 burger, even if they usually prefer more upscale dining choices, as Bourdieu proposes.
