Shopping to Remember: An Ethnographic Study of Vung Tau, an Ethnic Food Market in Sarasota, Florida
Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Vesperi, Maria
Keywords
Ethnography, Sarasota, Florida, Vung Tau, Food Habits, Ethnic Foods
Area of Concentration
Anthropology
Abstract
In an increasingly globalized world where individuals and culture are no longer geographically discrete, anthropologists must find other ways to study cultures and social groups. One of these ways is through food. This thesis is an ethnographic study of Vung Tau, an ethnic food market in Sarasota, Florida. An analysis of Vung Tau in the context of dominant foodways in the United States reveals that, unlike supermarkets and grocery stores that cater to most shoppers in America, ethnic food stores like Vung Tau predicate their business on social interaction and cultural identity. This thesis reveals that crucial aspects of Vung Tau’s social and cultural characteristics are mediated through the commodities sold there. At Vung Tau commodities are imbued with polyvocality, where one item reflects different memories and ideas to different people. This thesis shows that at ethnic food markets, identity is one of the main things sold, thus demonstrating how commodities are imbued with social meaning.
Recommended Citation
Ruark, Nolan, "Shopping to Remember: An Ethnographic Study of Vung Tau, an Ethnic Food Market in Sarasota, Florida" (2015). Theses & ETDs. 5103.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5103