Dining out on Sociological Neglect Available to Purchase

Offers a brief overview of some of the key issues to arise so far from the sociological analysis of dining out. Commencing with a short survey of the main theoretical perspectives in the field, develops the discussion to include consideration of the nature of dining out as a social activity. Particular attention is paid to the concept of the“meal experience” and the interplay that exists between consumers and the food and hospitality industries in creating and sustaining this experience. Argues that contemporary styles and modes of provision and the experience of dining out is marked by a retreat from food as the principal element in the restaurant “product”, greater emphasis being placed on the contexts in which foods are provided and how these contexts relate to lifestyle and other factors.