Abstract
Grazia Deledda’s literary works offer a profound examination of the intersection between food politics, cultural identity, and societal structures in Sardinia. By incorporating food into her narratives, Deledda highlights its role in shaping both individual and collective identities, using it as a lens to explore tradition, social hierarchy, and political power. Through depictions of communal meals, feasts, and food scarcity, she critiques the socio-political conditions of her time, revealing how food distribution and consumption are tied to power dynamics. Her narratives not only reinforce cultural heritage but also expose societal inequalities, making food a tool for both preservation and critique. Moreover, Deledda engages with the tension between traditional food practices and modern regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the impact of agricultural policies on local communities. This study demonstrates how Deledda’s work contributes to current conversations about food sovereignty and the socio-political effects of food policies. By examining these themes, her narratives offer valuable insight into how food reflects broader cultural and political struggles, urging readers to reconsider food’s enduring role in shaping societal realities and identity.
Presenters
Simonetta Milli KonewkoAssociate Professor of Italian, Department of Global Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
GRAZIA DELEDDA FOOD POLITICS CULTURAL IDENTITY SARDINIAN SOCIETY SOCIAL CRITIQUE
