This study argues that in order to understand the extensive and dramatic developments in the world of food, a new interdisciplinary approach is necessary. It stresses the importance of socioeconomic and cultural factors over diet, and includes case studies from the sugar, dairy and meat industries.

With growing affluence in the developed world, food has become an increasing focus for attention. The authors argue that in order to understand the extensive and dramatic developments in the world of food, a new interdisciplinary approach is necessary. "Consumption" "in the Age of Affluence" successfully addresses food consumption in this way. The volume argues the importance of socioeconomic and cultural factors over diet, in influencing the production, marketing and consumption of different groups of foods. It places food systems theory on sound analytical foundations, draws critically upon food systems literature, includes case studies from the sugar, dairy and meat industries and employs novel statistical techniques to identify and explain distinct patterns of food consumption.

'... should be read widely... offers a fresh perspective with which to analyze issues that have troubled Marxists for many years...' - Capital & Class