As interest has increased in topics such as the globalization of the agrifood system, food security, and food safety, the subjects of food and agriculture are making their way into a growing number of courses in disciplines within the social sciences and the humanities, like sociology 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.
Reviews
"Finally! Amidst the burgeoning literature on agrifood studies a sociological perspective has been sorely missing. In particular, Carolan’s book will prove invaluable to those of us who teach in this area and have been looking for a way to weave in sociological theory to examine the wide array of food and agricultural topics." – Carmen Bain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, USA.
"This highly recommended text is an accessible, lively and up-to-date introduction to the sociological imagination and agrifood studies, filling the gap between the sociologies of food production and food consumption." – Sally Foster, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciencs Metropolitan University, UK.
"Professor Carolan provides a masterful overview of past and recent developments in the sociology of food and agriculture. This book will serve as a useful reference for advanced scholars but, perhaps more importantly, is also a necessary and very accessible text for undergraduate students and other novices to the subject." – Leland Glenna, Associate Professor of Rural Sociology and Science, Technology, and Society, Pennsylvania State University, USA.
"Clearly written, but theoretically sophisticated, Carolan uses a wealth of published research to present a more critical ‘sociological’ analysis of contemporary food system issues that contrasts sharply with the mainstream narratives that dominate in the agricultural and food sciences. The examples are authoritative, fresh, provocative, and speak directly to current social and political debates on farm and food issues." – Douglas Jackson-Smith, Professor of Sociology, Utah State...
