This week on Taste Matters, Mitchell Davis is joined by French social scientist Claude Fischler to talk about the relationship between food and society. He is a directeur de recherche of the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and heads the Institut Interdisciplinaire d’Anthropologie du Contemporain in Paris. Tune into this episode to learn about the social function of the family meal as an opportunity for education in the form of etiquette. How has food-focused television changed perceptions about cooking? Listen in to hear Claude talk about the traces of religion that permeate attitudes about food and dining. How has human history conditioned humans to prefer to eat in groups? Tune into this episode to hear discussions regarding the psychology behind dietary requirements. For more anthropological thoughts on food, tune into this episode of Taste Matters featuring Claude Fischler! Thanks to our sponsor, The International Culinary Center. Music has been provided by The California Honeydrops.

“Even Americans, who eat more often alone than everyone else, enjoy eating more in the company of others. Eating is not a personal, individual activity. It’s not just another form of consumption like shopping… it’s a social activity.” [7:50]

“The common meal was- and perhaps still is- a place where children are taught unknowingly certain rules about living in society.” [12:00]

“The individualization of diets has reached such a state that hospitality has actually been reversed.” [20:40]

— Claude Fischler on Taste Matters