The Social Psychology of Food

Book excerpt: Food is central to the lives of all, and has for centuries been celebrated in art, poetry and song. More recently, media interest has focused public attention on the food we eat, and its influence on physical health and mental well-being. However, it is only since the 1980s that social scientists and social psychologists in particular have paid significant attention to the important topic of food. This work reviews the research from the perspective of social psychology.