Food, lifestyle, and participation: an ethnographic study of agro-ecological consumer groups in Castile and León (Spain)

Abstract

Eating practices are complex and multidimension­al manifestations which generate cultural norms regarding the ways food should be produced and consumed, and determine patterns of social behaviour and associated representations. Food involves many other activities besides the strictly nutri­tional, and constitutes an important part of wellbeing, both physical and psycho-cultural. This study provides an ethno­graphic work experience on the effects and social implications of participating in agro-ecological consumption groups. We seek to understand the meanings and social representations that motivate people to become part of these groups and at the same time analyse their repercussions, both for an indi­vidual and at a collective level. Moreover, we seek to inquire into the possible social, psychological and economic benefits that such activities bring to their members and the way in which all of this affects social differentiation, feeling of collec­tive identity and sociability. The anthropological view applied to the study of agro-ecological consumption groups allows us to probe the subjective experiences and collective construc­tions of participants, and to gain access to the motivations, practices and values that frame their belonging to said associ­ative structures.