Debating production-consumption linkages in food studies

Abstract

Recent contributions to the journal have commendably sought to extend agro-food studies from production to consumption in line with the consumption turn across the social sciences. In doing so, and inspired by actor-network theory, exception has been taken to the systems of provision approach to food studies. This approach is defended by suggesting that it has in part been misinterpreted as comprising an extension of agro-food studies to consumption rather than a general approach to consumption per se applied to food in particular. In addition, the later turn of such agro-food studies to consumption is shown to continue to lag behind the understanding of the culture of consumption that has evolved over the past decade. A plea is made for more constructive and informed dialogue with the literature on consumption. © European Society for Rural Sociology.