Cultural Identity, Food Systems and Globalization

Miranda Lauzon

Third blog entry

Cultural Identity, Food Systems and Globalization

What is Globalization?

Our world is rapidly changing; the phenomenon of globalization reaches new heights with each passing day. The rapid influx of new ideas, people, technology, recipes, traditions and much more are circulating the globe like never before. A rapidly globalizing world has many benefits, such as the spread of cultural and culinary diversity, but there are several drawbacks, specifically regarding food allocation, food security and preserving local, traditional cuisine.

Globalization raises questions:

·      How does globalization relate to food and identity?

·      What are some current trends/patterns in global migration?

·      How does globalization shape foodways and food systems?

·      What does this mean for identities?

Globalization also raises Malthusian questions:

·      If current trends continue, will we see a global food surplus or a global food shortage?

·      Will we see global hunger increase or decrease?

·      How will food be allocated across the globe?

·      How does food surplus and/or food scarcity relate to identity?

In this blog entry, I will explore the questions listed above…

Food is a prominent part of one’s identity. What we enjoy eating, what we do not enjoy eating and what we are accustomed to eating all play a major role in the development and maintenance of our social and cultural identity. As globalization occurs, new foodways are developed. As mentioned in previous blog entries, the rapid influx of sushi restaurants, falafel restaurants, burger joints and taco trucks are popping up in places all over the globe that they have never been seen before.

Globalization then shapes foodways and food systems by promoting new ideas. This means that identities are changing and will continue to change as globalization and migration occur. Currently, we are in a global state of rapid and vast migration, allowing nations, families and individuals to experience changes in identity like never before.

Trends/Patterns in Global Migration:

Above (graphs): Two different diagrams depicting global migration patterns in terms of locations (locations of both immigration and emigration) and in terms of numerical statistics.

As our world becomes increasingly globalized and population increases, we are faced with two options: food will be abundant or there will be a food shortage due to poor allocation of resources. These options depend largely on decisions made by key global players such as the United States and esteemed members of the European Union.

What is the Malthusian dilemma?

The Malthusian dilemma “describes how unchecked population growth is exponential while the growth of the food supply was expected to be arithmetical.” (Wikipedia).

“Enough food is available in the world today that if it were evenly distributed, nobody should have to go hungry.” (Pinstrup and Anderson)

But…

“Today, there are over 700 million people who do not have access to sufficient food to meet the needs for a healthy and productive life; they often go hungry and are insecure when they will have their next meal.” (Pinstrup and Anderson)

This is a global paradox. The most broad, yet important, question is: What do we do about it? First and foremost, poverty must be eliminated. Majority of global poverty can be seen in (Sub-Saharan) Africa and (South and East) Asia. In order to diminish food insecurity and promote food security, national and global economies must thrive. Despite food being abundant at the moment, if population trends (and poor allocation trends) continue we could potentially not have enough food to go around, which is an extremely upsetting thought.

Above (graph): This is a Malthusian (theory) graph depicting demographic growth. Note the point where the population and food lines intersect, this indicates the point in time when food will (potentially) become vastly more scarce, leading to increased rates of malnutrition and starvation.  

In relation to identity, inadequate nutrition and means to acquire food cause identity to dwindle. For example, as explored in my first blog entry, the cultural identity of Elisabeth Ramon-Bacon and her family was undermined since they were not able to gain access to conventional Spanish ingredients to carry on their culinary traditions.

Also in relation to identity and its connections to food (although slightly off topic), I am currently watching the Netflix series “Chef’s Table.”  This show centers around the concept of personal identities in relation to foodways through interviewing and following different chefs from diverse ( and often remote) locations. These chefs are internationally renowned and use unique, yet distinctive, techniques in producing, preparing and cooking ingredients. One of my favorite episodes features Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. Mallmann is an expert at cooking over open, wood fires. Perhaps his most famous meal is salmon; he wraps the fish in clay to keep it moist as he slowly cooks it over the low heat in the embers of the open fire. While watching this episode I am deeply captivated by his passion for cooking and how he defines himself and his identity through culinary creativity and exploration. If you subscribe to Netflix, I highly recommend checking out this series, it’s pretty darn cool.

Above (photo): Argentine chef Francis Mallmann (at right, wearing the hat and striped apron) tends to an open, wood fire in Patagonia, a traditional Argentine method used to cook meat and fish. Mallmann’s identity is largely defined through food.

Works Cited:

Pinstrup, and Anderson. “World Food Trends and How They May Be Modified.” Web. 10 Nov. 2015.

Migration chart: http://qz.com/192440/where-everyone-in-the-world-is-migrating-in-one-gorgeous-chart/

Migration graph: http://gt2030.com/tag/immigration/

Malthusian graph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malthusianism

http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/pcp_miller_econtoday_13_v1/38/9826/2515661.cw/content/index.html

Photo of Francis Mellmann: http://www.tableconversation.com/2012/11/finally-meeting-francis-mallmann.html