Abstract
In Western countries, the availability of an infinite choice of food is taken almost for granted. The variety of food with regard to the taste, the preparation, the nutrients or the cultural origin has never been so diverse. At the same time, food has gained an incredibly central place in people’s life. Food has an identity-creating power, and one’s eating behavior becomes a key aspect of one’s personality. There are only few situations where a larger proportion of people will experience imposed restrictions on their food choice. This paper focuses on one of these rare examples: the Swiss Armed Forces (SAF). In the SAF, catering offers only one dish per meal. There is one an additional vegetarian option. As the Swiss military System is based on conscription, the question arises how the young servicemembers handle this restriction. Based on 42 qualitative interviews with soldiers at the beginning and the end of basic military training, this presentation gives insights into the needs, wishes, and expectations regarding food in the SAF. What do young adults think about meat-consumption, food waste, or other dietary aspects? What do they consider important features of the catering they experience during their 18 weeks in the military? This study sheds light on the eating practices of Generation Z in a particular setting. At the same time, the paper considers how a public institution such as the military should organize its food service nowadays, in order to meet the needs of both, the servicemembers and the society.
Presenters
Stefano De RosaAcademic Assistant, Department of Military Sociology, Military Academy (MILAC) at ETH Zurich, Zürich (de), Switzerland
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
PUBLIC INSTITUTION, MILITARY, LIMITED FOOD CHOICE, GENERATION Z
