Indian and Italian Culture Food

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Select two different cultural groups and compare and contrast the factors which may affect dietary choices made by individuals within each group. This essay will explore the differences between the food cultures of India and Italy, and the factors which may affect dietary choices made by individuals within each country. India is a culturally complex country with a population of more than 1.2 billion people (Kittler & Sucher 2008). Several racial and religious groups have either migrated to or invaded India at some point in the past and each culture has brought in their own traditions, languages and cuisine. India consists of nearly 300 languages and 700 dialects, its many cultures and religions makes it one of the few countries in the world to have such diversity in religions and racial backgrounds (Kittler & Sucher 2008). Everyday life in India and social interactions are influenced predominantly by the ancient Hindu caste system. The caste system although so important in Indian society is only exclusive to the Hindu religion. Hindus make up from approximately 85% of India’s population followed by the Islamic religion, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity and more (Kittler & Sucher 2008). India is located in South Asia a completely different continent and culture from Italy, which is located in the northern hemisphere. Italy is one of the most southern and most centered of countries in Europe with a population of only 60.9million people which is significantly lower to that of India (Kittler & Sucher 2008). Similarly to India, Italy also has a very rich culture full of food, families and traditions. Social structures of rural villages in Southern Italy based on family whose interests and needs were in line with that of each individual’s perspective towards the state, church and school. The Roman Catholic Church is part of everyday life in Italy and the

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