G10 - Food and Social Identity

Objectives :

  • Reflecting on Personal Experiences with Food

Activities :

3) Section 3: Food as a Marker of Social Identity

  • Rituals and Celebrations:
    Video on Thanksgiving in American culture. Discuss how these foods reinforce communal bonds and cultural identity.


4) Section 4: Contemporary Issues in Food Culture

  • Future Trends in Food Culture:
    Speculate on future trends regarding food culture influenced by technology (e.g., lab-grown meat), climate change, and shifting demographics. 

  • Encourage participants to think critically about what these changes mean for cultural identity moving forward.


Final task :

 Share your own experiences with food related to their cultural identities or traditions.


1) Introduction video: Thanksgiving and food culture


2) Future Trends in Food Culture: A Conversation Between Larry and Jane

[Larry: Hey Jane, have you thought about how technology is reshaping our food culture?

Jane: Absolutely, Larry! Lab-grown meat is just one piece of the puzzle. As climate change continues to impact agriculture, more sustainable practices emerge. 

Larry: Absolutely! Vertical farming and hydroponics are more popular as they use less land and water compared to traditional farming methods.

Jane: Right! And with the increasing global population, these methods could become essential.

Larry: I read that by 2050, we might need to produce 70% more food to feed everyone. 

Jane: Exactly! And let’s not forget about shifting demographics. As urbanization increases, people are moving into cities where access to fresh produce can be limited.] 

[Larry: That’s right! Plus, younger generations are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware. They opt for plant-based diets and alternative proteins.

Jane: Yes! We are more health conscious nowadays and technology is also influencing how we view nutrition. We can use apps to track dietary intake and generate personalized meal plans 

Larry: Certainly! In the future, eating could become much more tailored to individual needs.

Jane: And let’s not overlook the cultural aspect of food. As globalization continues, we’re seeing fusion cuisines becoming popular. 

Larry: Absolutely! People are experimenting with flavors from different cultures which can lead to innovative dishes that reflect our diverse society.

Jane: That’s true! It seems like the future of food culture will be a blend of tradition and innovation brought by technology and changing societal values.] 

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True or False Questions

  1. True or False: Larry and Jane discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and the emergence of sustainable practices.

  2. True or False: According to Larry, by 2050, food production needs are expected to decrease by 70% due to urbanization.

  3. True or False: Vertical farming and hydroponics are mentioned as methods that require less land and water compared to traditional farming techniques.


Comprehension questions :

  1. What factors are influencing younger generations to adopt plant-based diets and alternative proteins?
  2. How is technology impacting our understanding of nutrition and dietary choices?
  3. In what ways are globalization and cultural exchange affecting food culture and cuisine?