Fed Up: Women and Food in America

(Paperback)

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Combining feminist anthropology and theory with culinary history, Catherine Manton examines the place of food in women's history, with a particular emphasis on the life and changing roles of the American woman and her self-image. As Professor Manton makes clear the so-called epidemic of eating disorders at the turn of the twentieth century really is no accident; specific cultural/economic/political conditions make disturbed eating practically inevitable for many American women. At the same time, Manton suggests ways women with eating disturbances can heal themselves through feminist and alternative healing principles. Must reading for students and scholars of American social history, Women's Studies, and ecofeminism.

Reviews

Manton has written a superb sociological and historical overview of the complex relationship between women and food in the US. The author has skillfully analyzed the interrelationship between the emotional aspects of eating and key cultural changes, including feminism, world hunger, and the rise and fall of the dieting industry. The result is the most creative work on food and eating to come along in years. In addition to examining all the ways--social and economic--women's relationship with food has been manipulated, Manson describes a new model for working with eating disorders, a model she calls 'Appetite for Change.' A three-part program combining therapy, nutrition education, and hands-on culinary instructions, this innovative and integrated regime is designed to help transform distorted relationships to food and may well serve as a model for the next generation of treatment approaches to eating disorders. Included are an excellent bibliography and detailed notes. Highly recommended for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and professionals interested in the psychology, history, or sociology of eating.-Choice
"Manton has written a superb sociological and historical overview of the complex relationship between women and food in the US. The author has skillfully analyzed the interrelationship between the emotional aspects of eating and key cultural changes, including feminism, world hunger, and the rise and fall of the dieting industry. The result is the most creative work on food and eating to come along in years. In addition to examining all the ways--social and economic--women's relationship with food has been manipulated, Manson describes a new model for working with eating disorders, a model she calls 'Appetite for Change.' A three-part program combining therapy, nutrition education, and hands-on culinary instructions, this innovative and integrated regime is designed to help transform distorted relationships to food and may well serve as a model for the next generation of treatment approaches to eating disorders. Included are an excellent bibliography and detailed notes. Highly recommended for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and professionals interested in the psychology, history, or sociology of eating."-Choice

Author Bio

CATHERINE MANTON is Associate Professor of Women's Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. In addition, she maintains a small clinical practice as a culinary healer. Professor Manton's articles have appeared in various academic journals including Trotter Institute Review and Women and Therapy.