Trying to Understand the (New?) Middle Classes Via Eating Practises

Abstract

This study attempts to understand middle class consumption patterns, particularly eating out phenomenon in the limits of sociology of food and nutrition. Middle class, when its position towards consumption is evaluated rather than means of production; it is clearly seen that steady "future expectation" and consistent social sturucture are main concerns of middle class under the "new capitalism" conditions. For middle class, consumption needs to be constant which is how this particular class brings into existence itself uncertainty, instability and precarity to be annihilate. In Eskisehir, middle class members are interviewed. For middle class, eating out become an ordinary everyday practice. Because of middle class' working conditions, its members have their lunchas a result ot taste of necessity whether in cafeterias, or contractual restaurants by paying with dining cheques and cards. Eating out at nights turns out a family activity, close friends gathering that is being socialized, entertainment and "foodatainment" as part of an everyday practice. Middle class' in Eskisehir desire to be "special" and prefers eating out spaces in order to distinct its class differences.