![]() In the context of society, our nation’s food system is at the core of numerous social movements, political issues, and economic debates. ![]() Eating can be an individual or a group action, and eating habits and customs are influenced by our cultures. The consumption of food is a commonplace, daily occurrence, yet it can also be associated with important moments in our lives. Criticism Farming and Locavores: How Sociological Perspectives Might View Food Consumption Critical race theory looks at structural inequality based on white privilege and associated wealth, power, and prestige. Similarly, critical race theory grew out of a critical analysis of race and racism from a legal point of view. Janet Saltzman Chafetz (1941–2006) presented a model of feminist theory that attempts to explain the forces that maintain gender inequality as well as a theory of how such a system can be changed (Turner 2003). More recently, inequality based on gender or race has been explained in a similar manner and has identified institutionalized power structures that help to maintain inequality between groups. A critical theory attempts to address structural issues causing inequality it must explain what’s wrong in current social reality, identify the people who can make changes, and provide practical goals for social transformation (Horkeimer 1982). Critical theory is an expansion of conflict theory and is broader than just sociology, including other social sciences and philosophy. In the 1930s and 1940s, German philosophers, known as the Frankfurt School, developed critical theory as an elaboration on Marxist principles. Resolving conflicts can reduce tension and hostility and can pave the way for future agreements. Simmel also showed that groups work to create internal solidarity, centralize power, and reduce dissent. He said that the intensity of the conflict varies depending on the emotional involvement of the parties, the degree of solidarity within the opposing groups, and the clarity and limited nature of the goals. German sociologist Georg Simmel (1858–1918) believed that conflict can help integrate and stabilize a society. Weber noted that different groups were affected differently based on education, race, and gender, and that people’s reactions to inequality were moderated by class differences and rates of social mobility, as well as by perceptions about the legitimacy of those in power. German sociologist Max Weber agreed with Marx but also believed that, in addition to economic inequalities, inequalities of political power and social structure cause conflict. He believed that cultural and ethnic conflicts led to states being identified and defined by a dominant group that had power over other groups (Irving 2007). Polish-Austrian sociologist Ludwig Gumplowicz (1838–1909) expanded on Marx’s ideas by arguing that war and conquest are the basis of civilizations. Several theorist suggested variations on this basic theme. Some individuals and organizations are able to obtain and keep more resources than others, and these “winners” use their power and influence to maintain social institutions. Social institutions like government, education, and religion reflect this competition in their inherent inequalities and help maintain the unequal social structure. This perspective is a macro-level approach most identified with the writings of German philosopher and sociologist Karl Marx (1818–1883), who saw society as being made up of individuals in different social classes who must compete for social, material, and political resources such as food and housing, employment, education, and leisure time. Conflict theory looks at society as a competition for limited resources. ![]()
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