THE THEORY OF GASTRONOMIC
TRANSNATIONALISM
THE THEORY OF GASTRONOMIC
TRANSNATIONALISM
Jorge Yeshayahu Gonzales-Lara,
Sociology, MBA Marketing
"Food is the universal language we all share."
In an increasingly interconnected world, where cultural and culinary boundaries
emerge, the fascinating intersection between gastronomy and transnational
phenomena emerges. "The Theory of Gastronomic Transnationalism" is a sensory
journey through flavors, smells and textures that transcend geographical limits, in
an in-depth analysis of how food, beyond being a mere physiological need, becomes
a bridge that connects and merges identities, traditions and experiences. As we
embark on a culinary journey that goes beyond typical recipes and dishes, to embrace
the complexity of the transnational influences that shape the way we eat, cook, and
share the table.
Gastronomic transnationalism reveals itself as a dynamic force that challenges
conventional categories, enriching our lives in unexpected ways in a globalized
world with transmigrations. Because the true nature of food is revealed as a universal
language that we all share.
The theory of gastronomic transnationalism focuses on the study of the migration of
culinary practices, foods, and flavors across cultural and national boundaries. It
explores how food acts as a vehicle for the transmission of identity, culture, and
connections between communities around the world. The theory of gastronomic
transnationalism seeks to offer a comprehensive perspective on how food becomes
a crucial element in understanding cultural diversity and global connections in an
increasingly interconnected world. This theoretical framework helps scholars and
researchers explore the complex interplay between food, migration, and cultural
identity.
This interdisciplinary approach combines elements of anthropology, sociology,
geography, history, cultural studies, and food studies to understand how gastronomy
travels and adapts in contexts of human mobility. Studies in this area examine the
diffusion of culinary dishes and traditions, the connection between food and cultural
identity, the opening of immigrant-led food businesses, the establishment of
GASTRONOMIC TRANSNATIONALISM | 1
transnational food networks, and how gastronomy influences tourism and the global
economy. The theory of gastronomic transnationalism provides a comprehensive
perspective on how food becomes a crucial element in understanding cultural
diversity and global connections in an increasingly interconnected world.
Keywords: transnationalism, transmigrations, cuisine, gastronomy,
transmigrations, diaspora, international migrations, identity, gastronomic
transnationalism, cuisines, globalization.
Gastronomic transnationalism involves the movement and integration of food
practices, ingredients, and cuisines across national borders; It reflects the ways in
which food serves as a cultural bridge and means of maintaining connections
between different regions. Food is the universal language we all share. Studies on
gastronomic transnationalism are interdisciplinary and often combine elements of
anthropology, sociology, geography, cultural studies, and food studies to understand
the complexity of how food travels and transforms in contexts of human mobility.
Understand cultural diversity, global connections, and social dynamics through the
lens of gastronomy. The study of gastronomic transnationalism has attracted the
attention of various theorists and scholars who have contributed to understanding
the complexity of how food travels across cultural boundaries. Krishnendu Ray
Professor of Food and Nutrition Studies at New York University, Ray has done
extensive research on the globalization of food and the complexities of food
transnationalism. Her work addresses issues of identity, power, and inequality in
global food production and consumption. New York University anthropologist
Dávila has explored the intersections between culture, migration, and food. Her work
examines how food and food practices are transformed in contexts of transnational
migration. Sociologist David Sutton has researched issues related to gastronomy and
migration. Her work addresses how people carry their culinary practices with them
when they migrate and how they adapt to new environments. Krishna Bista
Academic who has researched the transnationalization of food in migratory contexts.
Her work has explored how immigrant communities use food to maintain their
cultural and social connections in recent places. Josefina Márquez, researcher and
anthropologist who has addressed the issue of food and migration. Her work focuses
on the food practices of migrant communities and how they contribute to the
construction of transnational identities. Simone Cinotto. A professor of Food History
at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, Cinotto has researched the
intersection between gastronomy and migration. Her studies have explored how food
becomes a means for cultural adaptation in contexts of mobility, as well as the
GASTRONOMIC TRANSNATIONALISM | 2
studies of Lucy Long, food anthropologist and director of the Center for Food and
Culture, Long has addressed issues related to migration and identity through food.
Her work examines how culinary practices can change and persist in contexts of
transnationalism.
These scholars have contributed significantly to the field of gastronomic
transnationalism, providing valuable perspectives on the intersection between food,
migration, and cultural identity. His research helps to understand how gastronomy
acts as a crucial element in the formation of transnational connections and in the
preservation of cultural diversity at a global level.
The theory of gastronomic transnationalism focuses on the study of the migration of
culinary practices, foods, and flavors across cultural and national boundaries. It
explores how food serves as a vehicle for the transmission of identity, culture, and
connections between communities dispersed around the world. This
interdisciplinary approach draws on fields such as anthropology, sociology, and food
studies to understand how gastronomy travels and adapts in contexts of human
mobility.
Key aspects of the theory include:
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Dissemination of Culinary Practices.
Cultural Identity and Gastronomy.
Establishment of Food Businesses.
Transnational Food Networks:
Gastronomy and Tourism.
Food rituals and festivities.
Economic and Business Aspects.
The Impact of Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media.
Examine how culinary dishes and traditions are propagated and adopted in new
contexts due to migration, including how certain foods can be adapted or merged
with local culinary practices. How food is used to maintain and express cultural
identity in migratory contexts. This involves exploring how migrant communities
use cooking to connect with their places of origin and with other members of their
global community. Analyze the opening and success of migrant-run restaurants and
food businesses in new locations. This can include how these companies influence
local culinary scenes and contribute to culinary diversity. Investigate the
establishment and maintenance of transnational food networks. This can involve the
GASTRONOMIC TRANSNATIONALISM | 3
import and export of ingredients, products, and recipes, as well as connections
between producers, chefs, and consumers around the world. Explore how
gastronomy becomes an attraction for transnational tourism, where food plays a
significant role in promoting tourist destinations and serves as a vehicle for cultural
experience. To study how food-related rituals and festivities are maintained and
transformed in migratory contexts. This can include adaptations in culinary
celebrations and how they continue to be practiced in recent places. Investigate the
economic dynamics surrounding gastronomic transnationalism, including
investment, entrepreneurship, and the economic contribution of migrant-led food
businesses. The integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and social media
has transformed the way we experience, access, and engage with gastronomy. From
meal planning to restaurant promotion, these innovations continue to evolve the
restaurant industry.
Gastronomic transnationalism is a branch of research that focuses on the migration
of culinary practices, foods, and flavors across national and cultural boundaries. It
explores how food acts as a medium for the transmission of identity, culture, and
connections between dispersed communities. People from diaspora communities
often take their culinary traditions to recent places, influencing local food cultures.
The globalization of food markets and the availability of various ingredients
contribute to the blending of culinary traditions from distinct parts of the world. As
the food practices of one culture meet and interact with those of another, a process
of merging or hybridization often occurs. This can lead to the creation of new and
unique culinary styles that incorporate elements from multiple cultural traditions.
Food is used to maintain and express cultural identity in contexts of migration. This
involves the way migrant communities use cooking to connect with their place of
origin and with other members of their community around the world. Analyzing the
opening and success of migrant-run restaurants and food businesses in recent places.
These are ways in which businesses influence the local food scene and contribute to
culinary diversity.
Transnational Food Networks are established and maintained. This includes the
import and export of ingredients, products, and recipes, as well as connections
between producers, chefs, and consumers in various parts of the world.
Gastronomy becomes an attraction for transnational tourism. Food often plays a key
role in promoting tourist destinations and can be a vehicle for cultural experience.
GASTRONOMIC TRANSNATIONALISM | 4
Food rituals and festivities are related to food, they are maintained and transformed
in contexts of migration. This can include adaptations to culinary celebrations and
the way they continue to be practiced in recent places. The economics surrounding
gastronomic transnationalism, including the investment, entrepreneurship, and
economic contribution of migrant-led food businesses.
Gastronomic transnationalism highlights the interconnectedness of cultures through
food. Transmigration refers to the movement of people across borders, involving
both physical relocation and the transfer of cultural elements. This concept
encompasses not only the physical act of migration, but also the broader idea of
cultural exchange and transformation. Transmigrations can occur for several
reasons, including economic opportunity, political instability, or environmental
factors.
The exchange of cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions is an integral part of
transmigrations. Transmigrations can lead to the hybridization of cultures as people
adapt to new environments while retaining elements of their original identity.
Diasporas involve the dispersal of communities in their homeland, gastronomic
transnationalism explores the movement of culinary traditions across borders, and
transmigrations encompass both the physical and cultural movements of people.
Taken together, these concepts highlight the dynamic and interconnected nature of
human experiences in different regions and cultures. Gastronomic transnationalism
is a dynamic process that reflects the fluid nature of cultural interactions, particularly
in the realm of food and cuisine.
Cuisine acts as a medium for cultural exchange between communities. As
immigrants share their traditional dishes, a mix of flavors and culinary techniques
occurs, contributing to cultural diversity. The preparation of traditional foods and
the transmission of recipes from generation-to-generation help preserve the culture
of origin, even when people are far from their birthplace. Cuisine plays a role in the
transnational economy, as some immigrants establish food businesses that connect
their dispersed communities, thus creating an economic network that transcends
borders.
Religiosity and the cuisine of migrants
Religion and cuisine are two fundamental aspects that influence the way migrants
interact with their unique environment and how they are perceived by the receiving
society.
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Migrant cuisine is an important aspect of migration processes, as it contributes to
cultural diversity and enriches the culinary scene of host communities. Food plays a
crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of migrants, while facilitating cultural
integration and exchange.
Some important aspects of migrant cuisine:
Gastronomic diversity: Migrants often bring with them their culinary traditions,
specific ingredients, and cooking techniques. This leads to greater gastronomic
diversity in the host communities, which in turn contributes to cultural richness and
new culinary experiences for local people.
Preservation of identity: The preparation and consumption of traditional foods
helps migrants preserve their cultural identity in a unique environment. Food
becomes a tangible link to their place of origin, allowing them to keep their heritage
alive and share their culture with others.
Cultural bridges: Food acts as a powerful medium for building cultural bridges.
Through food events, ethnic restaurants, and the preparation of traditional dishes at
home, migrants can share their culture with the local community, thus fostering
mutual understanding and appreciation of cultural differences.
Gastronomic businesses: Many migrants start food-related businesses, such as
restaurants, food stalls, and catering services. These companies not only provide
livelihoods for migrants, but also contribute to the local economy and the
diversification of the food sector.
Religious faith and cuisine play a significant role in the dynamics of migrants'
migration processes, playing a crucial role in creating more diverse communities and
promoting intercultural understanding. Migrants sometimes adapt their religious
practices to integrate into their new environments, which can lead to changes in the
way they practice their faith. In addition, living with people of different religions
influences the religious beliefs and practices of migrants. Religious faith plays a key
role in the dynamics of migration processes, whether as a driving force for migration,
as a factor influencing migrants' adaptation to their new environments, or as a
contributing element to religious diversity in host communities.
Religious faith and cuisine are fundamental elements in the lives of migrants,
playing a key role in preserving identity, community connection, and cultural
adaptation in contexts of transmigration and transnationalism.
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Gastronomic transnationalism studies are interdisciplinary and combine elements of
anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and food studies to understand the
complexity of how food travels and transforms in contexts of human mobility. It is
important to understand cultural diversity, global connections, and social dynamics
through the lens of gastronomy.
REFERENCES AND READINGS
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Okinawa Diaspora - by Ronald and Nakasone.
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Diasporas and Transnationalism’s 1st Edition.
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The journey of the Komagata Maru.
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Jazz Diasporas - (Music of the African Diaspora) by Rashida K Braggs (Paperback).
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Global Diasporas 3rd Edition. An introduction Robin Cohen.
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Diaspora, Cultures and Identities 1st Edition, Bulmer, Martin; Let us do it, John.
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Global Diasporas: An Introduction, Cohen Robin.
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Diasporas and Diplomacy Cosmopolitan Contact Zones in the BBC World Service (1932-2012) Marie Gillespie.
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Diaspora and Development (2 VOLUMES), Pou Rodolfo.
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African diasporas. Roots that traveled more than ten thousand kilometers.
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The History of New York: A City Built by Immigrants from Diverse Cultures, Eras, and Generations (Spanish Edition) Paperback –
September 15, 2020 Spanish Edition by Jorge Yeshayahu Gonzales-Lara .
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The Gourmet Plus of Peruvian Gastronomy: The History of the Emblematic Dishes of Peruvian Cuisine (Spanish Edition) Hardcover
– September 6, 2022. Edited by Jorge Yeshayahu Gonzales-Lara (Author).
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The Peruvian Diaspora in the United States: Immigration in the 21st Century: A Social Space of Transmigration (Spanish Edition)
Spanish Edition | by Jorge Yeshayahu Gonzales-Lara | April 15, 2020.
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Yeshayahu Gonzales-Lara | June 11, 2021.
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Diaspora, Interculturality, and Food Culture: Multiculturalism in the United States (Spanish Edition) Spanish Edition | by Jorge
Yeshayahu Gonzales-Lara | November 6, 2020.
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