Published: November 20, 2009

'Fear of Food' Sociology of Food Pioneer

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'Fear of food' public lecture at University of Leicester

Concerns about the food we eat will be given a historical context at a public lecture being held at the University of Leicester.

Professor Stephen Mennell of University College, Dublin, will deliver a visiting speaker seminar on the 'Fear of Food and Fear of the Sociology of Food' on Thursday 26 November at 3pm. The free public lecture has been organised by the University's Department of Media and Communication.

Professor Mennell is a founding figure in the historical sociology of food and eating. His work has been influenced by eminent sociologist Norbert Elias, once a member of the University's Department of Sociology. Professor Mennell will report on his study of books written by doctors between 1800 and 1950 proffering advice to laypeople about what they should eat. His research identifies older-established British fears of food, eating and indigestion.

Department of Media and Communication lecturer, Dr Jennifer Smith Maguire commented:

"Food and its social context are timely concerns, and constitute an emerging theme of research in the Department of Media and Communication. Professor Mennell is a pioneer in research on food and society, and we are very much looking forward to his talk."

Professor Mennell's talk will take place on Thursday 26 November at 3pm in Physics Lecture Theatre A. The event , which is free and open to the public, is expected to last for approximately forty-five minutes with audience questions to conclude.

Notes to Newsdesk:
For more information, please contact Dr Julian Matthews from the Department of Media and Communication via jpm29@le.ac.uk, or 0116 252 2582.