Background of the analysis
In today's society, the communicative role of food is constantly growing: Food is accredited a symbolic value (food as signifier), and the primary function of food—to fill the stomach— has shifted into the background. Estonian food is not just Estonian food, but a part of Estonian identity, formed by sociocultural factors such as cultural representations of food; cultural practices like cooking methods, customs, and rituals; income, employment, educational aspects; and so on. Previous studies on the same subject have failed to take into account the sociocultural factors which influence people’s choices and taste regarding food.
Sociocultural factors investigated
Cultural memory
Food as a material expression of cultural memory and a medium of communication between the past and the present.
Representations of food
Mass media (television, cookbooks, magazines, the Internet, etc.) as cultural influencers and definers of "Estonian food.”
National identity
Changes in cultural traditions, behavioural practices, and lifestyles.
Lifestyle or way of life
National food (holiday food) and everyday food.
The dynamics of dietary recommendations
Report
As a result of the analysis, the report "Defining Estonian food" (in Estonian) was published.
International seminar "Importance of Estonian food for Estonian people.”
Conference hall, University of Tartu Library, October 2006