Polarizing Appetites?

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of trends in culinary taste in Finland since the mid-1990s, a period characterized by rapid socio-cultural change, including changes in the area of food and drink. What culinary taste patterns can be identified among food and drink preferences in Finland? Are these patterns differentiated by socio-demographic characteristics? Have the shapes of culinary taste patterns and the way they are socially structured changed in recent years? These questions are analyzed using data from two nationally representative surveys collected in 1995 and 2007. The results show that the basic structure behind Finnish culinary taste revolves around the distinction between “modern” light/ethnic eating and “traditional” (often national) heavy/meat eating. Both patterns have clearly differentiated social profiles in terms of gender, age, education and geographical region. Somewhat unexpectedly, the main results show a striking stability over time. However, a more pronounced change could be detected in table beverage preferences than in foods.

Keywords:

• food
• culinary taste
• consumption
• beverages
• preferences
• change
• Finland

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Semi Purhonen

Semi Purhonen is Adjunct Professor (Docent) in Sociology and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki. Besides cultural sociology, consumption and social stratification, his research interests include age and generation, social theory, and methods of social research. Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, PO Box 18, Snellmaninkatu 10, FI-00014, Finland ([email protected]).

Jukka Gronow

Jukka Gronow is Professor of Sociology at the University of Helsinki. He works on the sociology of consumption, especially food consumption, and social theory. His books include: The Sociology of Taste, Ordinary Consumption (edited with Alan Warde); and Caviar with Champagne: Common Luxury and the Ideals of Good Life in Stalin's Russia. Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, PO Box 18, Unioninkatu 35, FI-00014, Finland ([email protected]).