Food choices: Negotiating identities and feeling at home in the social landscape of sharing a meal

Abstract: This study highlights the sociocultural aspects of food consumption to analyse how identity, relationships and meaning is created in relation to food and meals. By using qualitative methods, a cultural analytical approach and theoretical perspectives by Sara Ahmed and Pierre Bourdieu, the aim is to create a deeper understanding of the sociocultural aspects of food, how it is consumed and how social surroundings can influence dietary choices. This study finds that social contexts and capital can influence dietary choices and eating habits both in specific situations, such as social events and eating with others, and have a long-term impact on food consumption choices and diets. It indicates how food consumption habits can be re-negotiated and changed over time through social situations and with new capital.