Food and Social Occasions – A Level Food Studies CAIE Revision

Section 1: Importance of Social Occasions in Shaping Food Choices

Social occasions or gatherings often dictate food choices, preparation, presentation, consumption, and disposal.
Festive occasions, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, or even a simple friend’s gathering often dictates a special menu.
These occasions involve a degree of ritualism and tradition that can shape the type of food chosen, how it’s prepared, who prepares it, and how it’s served.
The food consumed at social gatherings often carries symbolic meanings - for instance, birthday cakes symbolize celebration and long life.

Section 2: Influence of Socioeconomic Class on Food at Social Occasions

The type and quality of food served at events often reflect the host’s social class or status.
Wealthier households might serve high-end or luxury foods, as a display of wealth or status.
Lower-income households might offer simpler, more traditional foods.
It’s also common for individuals to serve foods that are considered luxurious or ‘treat’ foods at social occasions, regardless of their usual diet.

Section 3: Interplay of Cultural Norms, Tradition, and Food Choices

Traditional foods often take centre stage at gatherings, especially on nationally celebrated days, strengthening cultural bonds and celebrating shared identity.
For example, haggis often features in Burns Night suppers in Scotland; turkey and ham are traditional Christmas foods in the UK.
Gifting of certain foods can be a cultural norm at social occasions. For example, chocolates or sweets are often given as gifts at Diwali.
In some cultures, refusing food offerings can be seen as disrespectful or impolite, whereas in others it’s accepted as personal preference.

Section 4: Role of Social Occasions in Advent of New Food Trends

Changing societal norms and values can lead to new trends in food choices at social occasions.
Examples include the rise of vegan food options due to increasing consciousness of animal cruelty and climate change.
The ‘gourmet burger’ trend being served at events represents a shift away from traditional, formal catering towards more casual, indulgent dining.
The digital age has also led to the ‘Instagram-ability’ of food becoming a factor in food choices, with hosts serving meals that are visually striking and shareable on social media.