2.2.1 Physical Geography
This can include climate, weather and seasons, Incorporating temperatures, natural vegetation, land and water.
Each country and continent has different climates and with this have various type of agriculture, certain foods can grow in one place and not in another. For example bananas grow in very tropical climates where the weather is warm and are available all year round. The origin of the banana are said to be found in the region of Malaysia dating back to the 6th century
“According to Chinese historian Yang Fu, China was tending
plantations of bananas in 200 CE. These bananas grew only
in the southern region of China and were considered exotic
, rare fruits that never became popular until the 20th century.”
Taken from
Del Monte is more famously known for importing the fruit to our shores in the early 20th century.
Where as on the other hand the guava fruit is available in certain seasons and is best suited to dry and humid climates such as Hawaii, Florida and Brazil this extract is taken from a vegetarian website ‘Vegparadise.com’ and states;
“The tropical guava is best adapted to the warm climate of
Florida and Hawaii, although it can be grown in coastal
Southern California, and with some protection,
selected areas north to Mendocino County. Guavas actually
thrive in both humid and dry climates, but can survive only
a few degrees of frost. The tree will recover from a brief
exposure to 29° F but may be completely defoliated.
Young trees are particularly sensitive to cold spells.
Available from October to May.”
Taken from
However, there are many countries which do suffer because of the temperature and climate conditions such as most parts of Africa which are subjected to long months and sometimes years of droughts which ruin any possibilities of growing crops and fruit. Also to mention above is the Antarctic and the Arctic areas which due to the sub zero temperatures have no crops or plants available to grow but have many animals that are predators.
2.2.2 Human Geography
This consists of population, migration culture and tradition. One of the first to immigrate to Britain were the Indians particularly Pakistanis and the Chinese
One example subject to this could be the EU or European Union which since the 1980’s has grown rapidly especially the last 7 years with new countries being acknowledged and granted EU status. This in turn, means that any person from an EU country wishing to go and live in another EU country can based on specific terms and qualifications.
The Polish and many other eastern European countries have decided to immigrate to the UK in search for a better life where more than a million British are emigrating to places in the EU like Spain and France particularly because of the weather.
2.2.3 Medical Geography
Diet, nutrition, health and diseases can have impacts of food and society.
Post war the UK has seen a rise in health issues which affect where we live and how. More common has been the influx in food intolerances such as gluten (coeliacs), lactose (dairy) and many more including diabetes.
2.2.4 Economic Geography
Agriculture, farming and food production
Early agriculture has been found to begin in the Middle East and spread to the west including Europe. Many animals were pre-domesticated and later travelled to Mediterranean and central areas of Europe.
Once the agro-industrial era became apparent and farming was well established food production started to take place on a mass scale, this began the import export culture. The industrial revolution altered the working conditions used to acquire food products.
Trading between colonies especially the east and west meant that new foods were made readily available, and import and exporting of food is now a multibillion pound industry. From late 19th century to the present day, food consumed became more varied including the use and desire for exotic products such as tea, coffee, bananas. Now, inspiration for ready prepared fruit and other foods has overpowered home grown and home made meals.
“The European discovery of the New World represented a
momentous turning point in the history of food. Foods
previously unknown in Europe and Africa, such as tomatoes,
potatoes, corn, yams, cassava, manioc, and a vast variety
of beans migrated eastward, while other sources of food,
unknown in the Americas--including pigs, sheep, and
cattle--moved westward. Sugar, coffee, and chocolate
grown in the New World became the basis for the world's
first truly multinational consumer-oriented industries.”
Extracted from
2.3 Multicultural Societies
As stated above in point 2.2.2 there have been many changes since the 1990’s especially within the EU with 10 extra countries joining the union within the last decade many cultures and traditions have followed below are just a few major societies we have around.
2.3.1 Western Societies
2.3.1.1 Americans
The Americans were the firsts for fast food with MacDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King. Earlier, all food had one thing in common ‘meat’ which was included in every meal, after being introduced to marinated meats by the Germans, the Americans cultivated their own ideas to create bbq foods, hotdogs, hamburgers and donuts. But it is the sheer size of their meals that concern many scientists and the government as over 53.2% of the US population is obese.
2.3.1.2 British
The British societies have many variants on similar foods depending on the region. Not to forget that the Romans had brought along their own tastes and food types when they settled here over 2000 years nearly. The British being surrounded by seas have an aptitude for the very famous dish of fish and chips and the very traditional family roast dinners.
2.3.1.3 Caribbean
The Caribbean society and their food have many influences such as the French, Dutch and Spanish, mostly famous for their spices and aromas, recipes such as chicken jerk (Cured Chicken). Caribbean foods are famous for their freshness and locality.
2.3.2.4 Mediterranean
Mediterranean foods are split into 3 main areas eastern (Greece), western (Spain and Italy) and southern (morocco). Dishes include seafood stew or paella which it is more commonly known.
Once again food is fresh due to the geography of the countries; many influences have come from the East and Africa. Societies are very socially orientated with late or long meal times, many of which include a glass of the locally produced wine, much is home cooked and every meal is an occasion.
“Food is integral to the effusive hospitality which is imperative
everywhere in the region and has been since ancient days when
ran to slaughter a calf for the Lord, and
embarked on his famous house-tour of the Mediterranean.
Flavours are robust and clear, unfettered by complicated
sauces and heavy dollops of cream and butter. Home cooking
is dominant as hautes cuisines bow before the traditional
genius of the home and hearth”.
Gillespie, C (2001)
2.3.2 Eastern Societies
2.3.2.1 Polish
Since Poland entered the EU polish food have progressed enormously with many major supermarkets now having shelves stocked with Polish type foods with more than 1.2 million polish national entering our shores since they became part of the EU.
Polish foods are usually engrained with potatoes and are more commonly stews due to the climate within Poland; much is relatively the same as the majority of Europe – very much a family occasions.
2.3.2.2 Chinese
For the Chinese and Asians, food is the pinnacle in their society, their relatively famished past determines the present. Their ever increasing economy has closed the gap on limitations. At present food sill remains a sacred gift and the Chinese take pride at mealtimes, many believe that rice is their main diet which is true in certain areas where the more traditional live but due to the import and export trade becoming more apparent food builds friendships and ties among businessmen with this in mind deals and contracts could be completed on the basis of good food.
Cultural festivals such as the Chinese New Year are highly associated with food;
“Each festival has a dish which is the highlight of the celebrations.
For instance, during the spring festival or Chinese New Year it is
customary to have Yuanxiao which is savoury soup with sweet
rice balls. Noodles symbolise longlivety and thus is custom to
have on your birthday.”
Swati Nair (2003)
2.3.2.3 Indian
Depending on their religious type and family customs, food will differ according to various areas. The two main cultures are the Hindu and Muslim traditions which have had many influences in the past from the Portuguese to the British where the Indian cuisine is widespread and include tikka, byriani and korma or madras, which revolves around the use of spices and gravy base.
Similar to the Chinese traditions they are very much family orientated especially when mealtimes occur.
2.4 Dietary Influences
2.4.1 Optional
Many people decide to change their lifestyles and their diet by changing what they eat such examples include Vegetarians, Vegans, Semi-Vegetarians or Fruitarians. This could be happening through choice of fashion fads or beliefs.
Vegetarians solely do not eat meat or fish of any kind, semi vegetarians eat fish but not meat. Vegans eat foods that have no origin of animals, this includes dairy products, finally there is fruitarians which similar to that of the vegan but also does not eat any pulses or cereals. Some fruitarians will eat only what falls (or would fall) naturally from a plant, that is: foods that can be harvested without killing the plant. These foods consist primarily of culinary fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some do not eat grains, believing it is unnatural to do.
“Some fruitarians believe fruitarianism was the original
Diet of mankind in the form of Adam and Eve based on
Genesis 1:29. approach to health and diet. Some
fruitarians wish to avoid killing in all it’s forms, including plants.”
The US Fruitarian Society
2.4.2 Medical
Due to our complex genes there are some people which have health problems with what they eat in their diet. To name just a few are Diabetes, food intolerances such as gluten, lactose or nut allergies. These mean a change in diets is needed either to extend life or reduce illness.
Diabetes is;
“A chronic condition caused by too much glucose (sugar)
in the blood. It can be caused by hormone insulin”.
NHS Direct
There are two types of diabetes, insulin dependant or non- insulin dependant (diet). In particular, type two diabetes resists insulin both natural and injection based this can be linked to obesity and often develops in older people over the age of 40.
Nine out of ten people have type 2 diabetes and over 80% of these people are obese according to NHS direct. To control this type many have a strict diet to adhere to.
Food intolerances such as gluten (coeliac) dairy (lactose) aren’t curable in most cases and are completely different to allergies such as nuts as this is due to the result of the reaction.
“Food intolerance is a non immune reaction to food or food additives.”
Coeliacs UK Society
Gluten intolerance causes difficulty digesting foods that contain gluten or additives in foods that contain gluten; it can potentially destroy the small intestine if strict gluten free diet isn’t adhered to the worst case scenario is it could lead to bowel cancer.
Changing your lifestyle dramatically needs a lot of support. Recent experience with coeliacs disease shows little changes sporadically won’t harm as it will.
3. The Developments
Many developments establish and determine who we are, what we eat and how we eat food in society; below are just some of the influences, trends and issues both current and future.
3.1 The Influences
3.1.1 The Vikings
During the 10th and 11th century, with no fridges and freezers the Vikings used salt to preserve meat and fish. The Vikings came from areas which had cold, harsh winters so to keep warm, stews with crusts of fat which used the bones of the meat to add flavour.
Due to living close to the sea, fish was a big part of the Viking diet along with meat and especially horsemeat which was spit roasted and used for ceremonies. They also ate and produced milk and cheese from their animals and drank beer or mead.
3.1.2 The Greeks
Many said that the Greeks like the Romans fed heartily yet inadequately. The Greeks had a fine appreciation of food and drink especially wine. Greek literature suggests the food that was consumed, costing and the preparation techniques used.
“The appreciations of food in ancient Greece, by those
who had time and money marks the beginning of
what is known today as ‘Gastronomy’.”
From here historians traced the beginnings of ideas that each area of Greece had its own food specialties just like today where in England, many counties have different means they adorn for example Yorkshire and Yorkshire Pudding and Lancashire and their famous hotpot. It is also implied that the Greeks were among the first to develop diet theories compiling written books that deal with the foods nutritional benefits.
3.1.3 The Romans
Depending on your status meat was set at the table placed on a carvery; it was part of the entertainment and set as an art form just as much as feasting itself.
“The province of Britain, whose conquest began in 43 C.E.,
provides an example: vines, peaches, walnuts, ,
coriander (), carrots, and several other important
foods were first to that province in Roman times.
Wine, olive oil, olives, , lentils, , and rice
were among the commodities that Roman traders first
exported to Britain in response to the popularity of Roman
fashions in that region.”
www.answers.com/romanempire
3.2 Trends and Issues
The international food trade is a diverse operation and many countries take part in it. Having a strong food industry is an important supplier to the population and significant contributor to the economy. With the fast paced methods of transport ever changing nowhere is impossible to trade. Consumer’s needs and desires along with current medical issues have changed. The international food trade according to Mintel Reports Website is at an estimated $380million US Dollars annually in terms of value, with Europe being predominant and Asia coming a close second.
Another trend is the rise of supermarkets and the use of internet shopping. The first supermarket in Britain arrived in the 1950’s a few decades later than America’s first supermarket. This development was due earlier but with the war imposing a food rationing system it was delayed, once rationing was withdrawn the rapid growth in consumption followed. The use of self service stores were seen as efficient and effective for both the retailer and the consumer. However people thought that the rise of these supermarkets was a way of the government controlling and possibly manipulating what we consume.
Nowadays with the influx of Europeans settling in Britain most major supermarkets have decided to use this niche market to gain some profit especially with Polish food many areas will now have an aisle or part of it with world foods available. (See figure 3).
Some advantages are people can socialise more in a relaxed atmosphere;
“Food is the ideal cultural symbol that allows the historian
to uncover hidden levels of meaning in social relationships
and arrive at new understandings of the human experience.”
Extracted from The Journal of Social History
It provides with empathy of various cultures other than our own and prepares us to engage in other cultures available. Not only that, it provides a sense of the past and how things have developed along.
The disadvantages could be certain medical issues such as obesity which is an ever increasing epidemic, since the 2001 documentary ‘Supersize Me’ where McDonalds and other fast food outlets were used to show that the nutritional value of food could affect health. Many started law suits particularly in the US, some have been successful and some haven’t (please see appendices for internet news updates on this subject). McDonalds and others have made several additions to their menu such as nutritional information in regards to RDA (recommended daily allowance) see figure 4.
The media has played a vital role in this area with many people in the developed countries especially the US, UK and some parts of Europe, believing that scientists really know best with at least once a fortnight some food being stated as detrimental to our bodies if we eat it or eat too much. It is believed to be scaremongering on behalf of the government to keep control on situations. One of the major concerns today is obesity due to the rising amount of fast food outlets.
Since this has been elaborated many fast food outlets have rearranged their menus to conform to an influx of red tape and many legal cases. For example MacDonald’s now have a range of salads and deli sandwiches including fruit bags and low fat healthy drinks such as orange juice and more to aid in the solution in the fight against obesity and low fat foods.
4. Conclusion
To conclude, this report has addressed the time through history associating food with society. It has looked at the key point which has affected us and gives an insight as to what is happening now and what possibilities are in the future.
Many factors influence what we eat and the reasons why are also varied, for all it is to be alive and well, others it could be a tradition particularly certain foods, some undeveloped locations receive little where more developed areas have more food in supply than what is in demand. What and however it is looked at the food industry is largely valued and is worth an incredible amount.
With the advancements today little areas of the world are inaccessible if any and partially this is a good thing yet even with our ancestors we are to vain to admit that sometimes we ask for too much and do not appreciate what we have on our own doorstep but with the introduction to world foods in our shops we can learn to value what is available.
5. Appendices
Figure 1: Brief Timeline in accordance to the History of Food
Figure 2: Geography of Agriculture
Figure 3: New range of world foods available in supermarkets
Figure 4: Advertisement on new nutritional advice on McDonalds packaging
Figure 5: Newspaper Articles on the Issues of obesity in society and the developments
Please see attached
Monday, 29 July, 2002, 11:52 GMT 12:52 UK
Fast food: Can you sue if it makes you fat?
A 20-stone driver who lived on burgers is suing several US fast food giants who he says caused his obesity and poor health.
The man suffered two heart attacks and developed diabetes before his doctor explained that he needed to change his diet of takeaways.
He claims he always believed fast food was good for him and joins a group of plaintiffs bringing a lawsuit against McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The group says they were misinformed by the food chains and were tempted into choosing fatty, sugary and salty foods which caused their bad health.
McDonald's have previously paid out in big lawsuits, including a $2.7m sum to a woman who spilled a cup of coffee into her lap - which she claimed was too hot.
Do you think the obese plaintiffs have a case? Are the food chains liable for people being overweight? Are we becoming too litigious?
A selection of comments are below.
Your reaction
As a US citizen, this lawsuit embarrasses me. However, as a teacher, I do wish there was a movement to prohibit fast food chains from selling their goods in the public schools. Unfortunately, many of these companies offer districts large amounts of money in order to sell to a captive, voraciously hungry student body. I work in a high school which serves this kind of food. Unfortunately, I see many, many overweight teenagers there and it scares me to think how overweight and unhealthy they will be as adults.
Jill, USA
Whilst I think it's ridiculous that such a case should ever come to court it will be a good thing if it serves to open up the debate about the level of responsibility of fast food companies should take about the effect of their products. There are now unheard of levels of obesity in countries such as Japan, which until recently did not have fast food chains (and in fact were otherwise a very healthy nation).This seems more than a coincidence to me. At a time when 14 million African people are on the brink of starvation it is ironic that on the other side of the globe can now eat themselves to death. In the UK we too now live in a fast food culture and the companies involved are only in it for one thing and it's not our health.
Kathy, Scotland
Sometimes making healthy choices is harder than making unhealthy ones. As a university student on a strict budget, I'm often dismayed at how much cheaper fast food and junk food is compared to healthy food. Luckily I get enough exercise but there are a lot of people who don't. Not necessarily because they are lazy but because the way things are arranged here you really DO have to drive everywhere. The towns are sprawling with everything miles apart. I guess I think that if this man really is just trying to prove a point and not after monetary gain, then I see no harm in it. And maybe some people could look at his message in a different light.
April W, USAThis is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. No one force fed him. How can you blame someone for your own lack of control? I suspect this could only happen in the US.
Nehal T, UK
I'm thinking of taking the brewers of Stella to court, after consuming eight pints of their premium lager. While I felt fine last night, in fact elated at some points, I'm not so well this morning and believe it may have something to do with the lager. Shouldn't I have been warned about this product? Is this ludicrous?
Don, Scotland
Until lawyers stop taking these ridiculous cases - hoping for a big payout - and judges stop awarding unbelievably high damages (like $2.7m dollars for a hot cup of coffee) people are going to be tempted to try and sue over the slightest things. Common sense has disappeared from justice, and until it returns the situation is going to get worse.
Simon, UK
As an American attorney who has spent the last 10 years defending employers in lawsuits, I can honestly say this new theory of liability is not in the least bit surprising. It typifies one of the most overlooked cultural deficiencies in the US - a rampant and deplorable refusal to acknowledge any personal responsibility for individual behaviour. If you're obese, there are two potential culprits, you and/or your genes. It's not McDonald's fault. I sympathise, but cannot accept any rationalisation of a lawsuit against a restaurant.
Michael, USA
This is simply ridiculous. I understand that some people have a genetic predisposition to being overweight but 50% of the American population? People are just eating way too much food, and not exercising enough. Every fast food restaurant supplies the caloric content of their food. Did anyone force then to super size their meals? I just don't understand.
Kena, USA
I'm fat. Does that mean I should sue my wife? She does the weekly shopping so it must be her fault. It couldn't possibly be my fault for liking beer and chocolate could it?
Simon, UK
Bibliography
6.1 Books
Gillespie, C. (2001); European Gastronomy in the 21st Century, Butterworth – Heinemann, Oxford
6.2 Websites
(accessed 02/02/2008)
(accessed 02/02/2008)
(accessed 12/02/2008)
(accessed 12/02/2008)
(accessed 12/02/2008)
(accessed 13/02/2008)
(accessed 23/02/2008)
(accessed 25/02/2008)
(accessed 25/02/2008)
(accessed 28/02/2008)
6.3 Journals
Thane, P. (2006) the Journal of Social History; Volume 239, p39-43, London
6.4 Additional Reading
Atkins, P and Bowler, I. (2001); Food in Society: Economy, Culture and Geography, Arnold publishers, London
Cousins, J. Foskett, D. and Gillespie, C. (2002); Food and Beverage Management 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, Harlow
Davies, B. Lockwood, A. and Stone, S. (1998); Food and Beverage Management 3rd edition, Butterworth – Heinemann, Oxford
Other Sources
Baines, Liz (2008); Class Notes, Runshaw College, Euxton
