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Sociology

Ritual Symbolism in Food Consumption and Commensality

Quick fact

Across cultures, the act of sharing food—commensality—is one of the most powerful ways to create and express social bonds, yet it also draws symbolic boundaries between 'us' and 'them', often codified into rituals of inclusion and exclusion.

Why this is interesting

You may think sharing a meal is just about eating—but why do we feel a pang of exclusion when we're not invited, and why do holiday dinners follow such specific rules?