CULINARY ANTHROPOLOGY: EXPLORING FOOD AS A CULTURAL EXPRESSION AND A SITE FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND IDENTITY FORMATION

Abstract

Culinary anthropology examines the multifaceted role of food in the cultural practices of societies, viewing food not just as a biological necessity but as a powerful tool for expressing identity, social dynamics, and cultural values. This article explores the intersection of food with culture, focusing on how culinary practices serve as a medium for social interaction and identity formation. We discuss the ways in which food choices and food-related rituals shape group identities, navigate social hierarchies, and foster community solidarity. By analyzing diverse cultural contexts, particularly within the South Asian and Pakistani milieu, this article highlights food as a dynamic cultural expression. The discussion further connects culinary practices to broader societal structures, such as gender, class, and ethnicity, and explores food's ability to reflect social change and transformation. Through ethnographic case studies, we aim to illustrate the complex relationships between food, culture, and identity, demonstrating how food can both reinforce and challenge social norms.