A Qualitative Study of Slow Food in Australia

Abstract

Slow Food is a global social movement that arose in response to the cultural homogenisation, taste standardisation, and public health problems associated with fast food. Despite its popularity, there has been little empirical research on Slow Food and no Australian study to date. This paper begins to address this gap in the literature by reporting on a qualitative study into the subjective experiences of people participating in the Slow Food movement. The study involved 33 semi-structured interviews with food producers and lay public attending a Slow Food festival. The findings illuminate the changing nature of consumer culture, particularly the notion of ethical consumption.