Food

The humanities and social sciences have long taken an interest in food. Research in this field sheds light on how food was and is produced and consumed over time throughout the world. It also works on how these food practices can be changed to improve people's health, reduce social inequalities or limit the impact on the environment and the climate.

The study of food practices and diets investigates the links between food and the body, or more broadly, health at different stages of life. Researchers have shown that food plays a major role in social life. The way food is prepared, eaten and shared is linked to a person's social position, cultural identity and religious or political convictions. Research is also focused on the relationship between food and agricultural production or models. This work brings up a wide range of issues like the organisation of agricultural markets and sectors, the governance of food systems, the whole process of food from production to distribution and consumption, the role of standards and certification, food's relationship with land-use planning, the protection of local and regional farming areas in France (terroirs) or farmers' knowledge. It also takes a broader look at sustainability or the impact of food on health and the environment including a focus on family farming, organic farming, permaculture, peri-urban farming, short distribution channels and so forth. Research in this field also concentrates on food security issues concerning both the quantity and quality of food.

The research carried out focuses on both individual and collective behaviour or practices and on public policies on this subject. The aim of the researchers is often to provide input for political decision-makers. The research involves all the human and social sciences and is carried out at the local, national, European and international levels. It is often multi- or even interdisciplinary, and often has an areal or comparative dimension. This kind of research looks at the links between food and the economic and political development of the Global South, fair trade, sovereignty in terms of food and even people's right to food in a context of highly globalised and interconnected economies. Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and global changes have shown food systems are not very resilient or sustainable in terms of health or the environment although they are efficient in terms of yield.

The current context has given a new impetus to research into food and the contribution of the humanities and social sciences is essential to thinking on these matters.

Research centers and networks