China’s Communal Meal-Structure

Abstract

This thesis endeavoured to explore the different meal-structures of different cultures. Specifically, it explores the different meal-structures of China and the West. The Chinese meal-structure is often seen as more Collectivistic compared to the Western meal-structure, which is conversely seen as more Individualistic. The thesis firstly establishes the definitions behind the terms Individualism and Collectivism. Generally, the West is found to be more Individualistic and less Collectivistic than other countries with meta-analyses confirming this belief. The meanings the Chinese associated with food is explained next, before establishing what is considered a “meal” as such. It is theorised that the Collectivistic meal-structure of the Chinese may have come from Confucian philosophy. Specifically, the Confucian concept of The Gentleman and The Petty Man, and the virtue of Ren and Li, may have fostered an environment which facilitated Collectivistic behaviour. It is believed that the Chinese did not always eat communally. Evidence for this Individualistic meal-structures has been found in Han paintings and it is believed the Chinese only began eating communally between the 9th and 11th centuries. The thesis then provides a brief history of food in China, the regional differences of food in China, and how these differences have affected the culture in those regions before moving on to China’s economic reforms and the introduction of McDonald’s in China. This marked not only the introduction of Western fast-food in China, but also the introduction of the Individualistic meal-structure associated with the West. The end of the Collectivistic culture of China is marked by the introduction of the “One-Child” policy and the rise of the millennial generation. The social ramifications of such a policy is then discussed. Finally, the thesis concludes with the resilience of the Chinese communal meal-structure. Despite the introduction of McDonald’s and the Western meal-structure in China, the Chinese have nevertheless retained their collectivistic meal-structure.