Abitudini culturali nel mondo del cibo: un confronto tra Italia e Stati Uniti

Food culture is a complex reflection of national identity and temperament, history, geography, and immigration patterns, among other factors. Italian and American food culture differ significantly, such that the desire to experience Italian food culture is often a deliberate focus for visiting American tourists. This thesis explores the complex relationship between food and culture, and how it manifests in the United States and Italy. The findings are based on a review of the existing literature. Key differences in the approach to food and to eating between the two countries are highlighted by contrasting attitudes and behaviors towards food quality vs quantity, the popularity of fad diets, the structure of meals and time spent around the dining table, the attraction of novelty vs tradition, the influence of globalization, and the role of the built environment (infrastructure). Differences in restaurant culture focus on contrasting management practices, the role of convenience, the meaning of service, and how payment and tipping practices differ for servers in Italy versus the United States.