The centrality of food in life, and the importance of food as life, is undeniable. As a source of biological substrates, personal pleasure and political power, food is and has been an enduring requirement of human biological, social and cultural existence. In recent years, interest in food has increased across the academic, public and popular spheres, fuelled by popular media’s constant play on the role of food and body size, and food and cooking, as a mass spectacle for TV audiences.
In Food, a new book part of the Shortcuts Series, John Coveney examines ‘food as…’ humanness, identity, politics, industry, regulation, the environment and justice. He explores how food helps us understand what it means to be human. Through food, we construct our social identities, our families and communities, but this book also highlights the tensions between the industrialisation of food, the environment, and the fair (or otherwise) worldwide distribution of food. It considers how the food industries, on which most of us have to rely, have also had direct effects on our bodies – whether through diet and longevity, or the development of illness and diseases.
This book is for all students and general readers alike – or for anyone with a fascination with food. It questions the idea that food is merely something inert on the plate, and instead shows how influential, symbolic, powerful and transformative food has come to be.
This book is part of the Shortcuts series published by Routledge, a major new series of concise, accessible introductions to some of the major issues of our times.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
John Coveney is Professor of Public Health in the School of Medicine at Flinders University, Australia. He is the author of, among other works, Food, Morals and Meaning: Second edition (Routledge).
This book offers an incisive and highly readable introduction to the key forces which shape and control the international politics of food. The impact of corporate power, international agricultural trade rules and the financialization of farm commodities are explored alongside new movements which are challenging the dominant global food system.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“In this admirably clear exposition Clapp explains the increasing ‘financialisation’ of and speculation in food commodities. Will sub-prime eaters be blamed for some future market crash? It makes you think twice about a second breakfast.” The Guardian “Clapp explains in a clear and concise way that food is not only a simple source of nourishment, but it also represents a political issue that connects us all. Definitely a good guide for anyone who is trying to orientate themselves in the economic global jumble.” Global Journal “In an increasingly complex argument that Clapp does well to unmuddy, she shows how the development of the world food economy is not the full picture – hers is a story that needs to be heard.” Irish Examiner “Clapp does a fantastic job in opening up a space herself to act upon global injustices in the world food economy by shortening the mental distance that exists between us, food consumers, and the social, economic and ecological relationships associated with the food we eat.” Global Policy Journal “An outstanding and accessible book for courses in food politics, globalization, economics, or international relations.” Agriculture and Human Values “Clapp draws from her vast knowledge of economics, politics, and the environment to write insightfully about the events that contributed to the development of the world food economy.” Cuizine: The Journal of Canadian Food Cultures “Clapp’s work provides a concise, accessible analysis of the complex system that surrounds one of the most basic of necessities yet offers sufficient depth to actas an introductory text for those who wish to further understandthe food system.” Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development “Clapp’s concise, accessible prose, and her deep engagement with the subject matter should ensure that this book enjoys a readership well beyond the academy.” Organization and Environment “An excellent diagnostic about the constitution, evolution and the challenges of the global food system, making it indispensible for development practitioners, policy makers, social movements, academics interested in learning about the emerging field of food studies, as well as all those who would like to understand (and eventually transform) the distribution of power in the food system.” Journal of International Development “The new must-read primer for those trying to make sense of the suddenly turbulent world of drought and food shortages, price spikes and financial crises, biofuels and commodity index funds, food riots, and social unrest.” Review of Policy Research “A relevant and current text that creates a great common platform from which to jump to explore community governance of the food system.” Economic Geography “A fascinating glimpse inside the food machine.” Cost Sector Catering “Covering the most salient features of the global food economy in just a couple of hundred pages is a pretty daunting task, but it is one which Jennifer Clapp manages to achieve … A finely detailed and well researched volume.” Morning Star “A sharp, concise and satisfyingly detailed field-guide to the hegemons of the world food economy.” Raj Patel, author of The Value of Nothing “Jennifer Clapp explains what happens when food is no longer considered a mere source of nourishment or cultural element but is transformed into a fungible commodity. Clapp unpacks and clarifies the mind-numbing complexities of transnational corporations, international trade, and financial markets. Best of all, the book provides precisely the information and tools advocates need to redesign the global food economy to promote fair trade, food justice, and food sovereignty.” Marion Nestle, New York University “This excellent book explains why food has become a hot political issue on the global stage. The author clearly knows her subject and offers an insightful, engaging, and highly accessible introduction to the global food economy.” Robert Falkner, London School of Economics and Political Science
About the Author
Jennifer Clapp is professor and CIGI Chair in global environmental governance in the Department of Environment and Resource Studies and the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo.
Wow! eBook
