フード・アクティヴィズムの政治

社会変革の方法とその課題

抄録

    This study discusses how food activism has changed society. Food activism seeks to change society by modifying the ways of producing, distributing, and consuming food. This is often exemplified by local-based food activities such as community-supported agriculture and food cooperatives.

    First, against the background of privatization in food choice, this paper examines food activists’ focus on organizing common food places in civil society, such as community cafés, rather than on expanding their influence on politicians and the bureaucracy.

    Second, this research discusses how food activists have changed society. They are committed to reconstructing direct and close relationships between farmers, distributors, and consumers. Reconstruction is expected to help them realize the presence of (invisible) social relations over food. Food activists also take special care to open facilities providing food to marginalized people and enhance inclusiveness in such places. Furthermore, they create and promote a sense of mutual support among citizens by providing them with opportunities to work together.

    Third, this study examines the difficulties that food activists are currently facing. While a heavy burden is placed on a small number of activists to provide food-related services to fellow citizens, only a limited number of people have access to such services. Food activists struggle with inequality in terms of the burden and benefits related to civil society. They reconsider food issues from the perspectives of justice, citizenship, and democracy, which were not focused on in the past and require local governments to play a part in solving inequality issues.