Consumption patterns and lifeworlds using the example of convenience food

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Part I: Consumption and Sociology.
  • Definition of the field of study.
  • Emergence of sociology of consumption.
• Part II: Why do we eat what we eat?.
  • The Social Construction of Taste.
  • Weberian rationalities
  • McDonaldization.
  • Lifeworld.
• Part III: Empirical Analysis
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This bachelor thesis analyzes the consumption of convenience food in German households from a sociological perspective. The research aims to understand the factors influencing this consumption, particularly through the lens of social class, life phase, and household composition. The thesis utilizes three main theoretical frameworks: Pierre Bourdieu's social critique of taste, George Ritzer's concept of McDonaldization, and the theory of lifeworlds. Key themes explored in the work include:

• The social construction of taste and its influence on food consumption.
• The role of Weberian rationalities and McDonaldization in shaping food choices.
• The impact of lifeworlds on consumption patterns, especially in relation to convenience food.
• The relationship between social class, life phase, and household composition and convenience food consumption.
• The empirical analysis of convenience food consumption in German households using market research data.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of convenience food consumption and outlines the research objectives and methodologies employed in the thesis.
• Part I: Consumption and Sociology: This section provides a theoretical background for the study, defining the field of sociology of consumption and exploring its emergence as a distinct area of study.
• Part II: Why do we eat what we eat?: This part delves into the theoretical frameworks underpinning the research. It examines Pierre Bourdieu's social critique of taste and its application to food consumption, the influence of Weberian rationalities and the concept of McDonaldization, and the role of lifeworlds in shaping consumer behavior.
• Part III: Empirical Analysis: This section presents the empirical analysis of convenience food consumption in German households. The data used for the analysis is sourced from a market research study and the findings are analyzed based on factors such as social class, life phase, and household composition.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This work focuses on the consumption of convenience food in German households, utilizing a sociological perspective. Key themes include social class, life phase, household composition, taste, Weberian rationalities, McDonaldization, lifeworlds, and empirical analysis. The research draws upon the theoretical contributions of Pierre Bourdieu, George Ritzer, and the theory of lifeworlds. The study analyzes market research data to provide insights into the factors influencing convenience food consumption in Germany.