Food and gender: The debate

This chapter, titled Food and Gender: The Debate, explores the pairing of food and gender through an interdisciplinary lens, drawing on anthropology, sociology, history, feminist theory, gender studies, food studies, among others. It explores how food practices—from production to consumption—are deeply embedded in socio-cultural, historical, and gendered power dynamics. Engaging with the ongoing debate surrounding food and gender, the chapter traces the processes of continuity and changes of these practices, focusing on their role in either reinforcing or challenging systems of domination, oppression, and inequality. Special attention is given to the gendered symbolism related to food, particularly meat, and the diverse perspectives on food preparation, traditionally associated with women, also linked to autonomy, identity construction, and resistance. Furthermore, the chapter incorporates ecofeminist perspectives to analyze the relationship between food practices, environmental sustainability, and community resistance. Finally, it discusses vegetarian and vegan food choices as forms of gendered and ecological resistance, tied to sustainable practices that challenge dominant socio-cultural norms.