Hi there, this is the author — thank you so much for your comment!

The connection between Italy, food, and politics is truly one of the most fascinating subjects I’ve come across. To further your interest, I’d love to recommend a couple of insightful reads.

I really enjoyed Postrevolutionary Chowhounds: Food, Globalization, and the Italian Left by Fabio Parasecoli. It explores the perspectives of both the proletariat and bourgeoisie on food, and examines the globalization of agriculture. Reading it gave me valuable context behind Italy’s ban on cellular meat and left me reflecting on two key questions:

— Is cellular meat a tool of bourgeois exploitation, masked by innovation and sustainability?
— Or is it an opportunity to redefine food in alignment with values of simplicity, nourishment, and environmental responsibility?

Another excellent read is Food Activism in Italy as an Anthropology of Direct Democracy by Cristina Grasseni. She discusses Italian GAS (Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale) women, who are reshaping consumerism. Over 44% of them have reduced their visits to supermarkets, many hold BA degrees, and a significant number are teachers. They purchase in bulk and share goods among themselves — a practice that I found interesting to compare with the American tradwife movement.

I’m continuing to research these topics and would be happy to share more as I go.

Thanks again for engaging with my work!
Warmly, Hamsa