The increasing visibility of women in gastronomy
Blanca García Henche, Pedro Cuesta Valiño
Abstract
Although there are some examples of gender studies in the gastronomy sector – in particular, focusing on hospitality and the role of women chefs – little research has been carried out on the profiles and visibility of women in gastronomy sector and the challenges they face. This study aims to make visible the role of women in the world of gastronomy. It intends to analyse the situation of women in the gastronomy sector in the broadest sense, to identify their profiles (professional and training) and the emotional considerations for women in the profession, and to explore their opinion of women's position in the sector. It also evaluates the instruments used to give visibility to their work and analyses how women in the sector have adapted to the digital world. The authors selected a qualitative approach with structured interviews and quantitative research using primary data from a questionnaire answered by 463 women working in gastronomy in Spain. The study cites different profiles of women in gastronomy to reveal a far wider variety that goes beyond the profile of the woman chef to include sommeliers, winemakers, pastry chefs and bakers, producers in the agri-food sector, women working in communications specializing in gastronomy, teachers and researchers. It also demonstrates that the role of women in Spanish gastronomy is being made increasingly visible thanks to associationism and the use of social networks.