Studies of food in small social gatherings

[Matthew (@mattslight)]

Dear All,

Does anybody know of either:

• Studies conducted surrounding the role of food in social gatherings?
  
• Analysis of small social groups of loosely connected individuals?
  

Small group = 4-20 individuals

Loosely connected individuals = Friends of friends (or 'randoms') who on the whole have not met before

"Analysis of" might include how frequently people participate in such gatherings, the types of relationships that are formed as a result, could be in public or private spaces – although my particular application will be to restaurants

A nudge in the right direction for places to look would also be appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Matthew

@mattslight

[danielcharles87]

Matthew,

I'm not really sure about this either, but I've always been interested in it as well. The sociology of the dinner table, the small group interactions that surround food, culture of food, etc...all very interesting. Just finished reading "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer and it really got me re-interested in soc of food. If you find anything, post!