En studie om mat, utan fokus på mat: Betydelsen av plats, dukning och sällskap i vardagliga middagspraktiker

Abstract

This thesis aims to examine everyday meals, more specifically to study the context of meaningful dinner practices, the interpretation of these as rituals, the role of material objects, social norms and social company. Eight qualitative interviews were conducted with young adults between the ages of 22 and 32, and theory and literature within the fields of cultural studies, sociology and the concept of rituals was used to guide the analysis and interpretation of the interviews. To conclude, we argue that meaning can be created through different types of dinners, as long as they meet expectations. Social norms seem to influence individual choices and feelings towards dinner practices, and material objects also seem to play a role in dinner practices as ritual markers.