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Intergenerational Commensality: A Critical Discussion on Non-Familial Age Groups Eating Together

Author

Listed:
  • Simon Biggs

    (School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne, University Park, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Irja Haapala

    (School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne, University Park, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
    School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, The University of Eastern Finland, 70100 Joensuu, Finland)

Abstract

Connecting intergenerational relationships and commensality has been a neglected area in research and conceptual development within both food and life-course studies. This has been especially true of relations beyond the family. Here, public and private settings are explored in order to examine the relationship between eating together and generationally intelligent empathy. This is to help the discovery of spaces where different generations can interact positively around food and mealtimes. Contemporary social and public health challenges include: to adapt to increased longevity and to build solidarity between generations; to repair the relations between generations arising from institutional segregation; and to increase experiences of generational connection and social inclusion. As age-based cohorts are led to see themselves as separate from each other, we must find ways of building and negotiating new complementary roles for different parts of the life-course. Commensality, eating together at the same table provides an important cultural location and opportunity around which complementary understandings between generations may be built. A new framework is proposed to help identify and critically examine the variables underpinning non-familial intergenerational commensal spaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Biggs & Irja Haapala, 2021. "Intergenerational Commensality: A Critical Discussion on Non-Familial Age Groups Eating Together," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7905-:d:601594
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fiona Haines, 2013. "Three Risks, One Solution? Exploring the Relationship between Risk and Regulation," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 649(1), pages 35-51, September.
    2. Martijn J. A. Hogerbrugge & Merril D. Silverstein, 2015. "Editor's choice Transitions in Relationships With Older Parents: From Middle to Later Years," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 70(3), pages 481-495.
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