Enrique C. Ochoa, "México Between Feast and Famine: Food, Corporate Power, and Inequality" (U Arizona Press, 2025)

Enrique C. Ochoa, "México Between Feast and Famine: Food, Corporate Power, and Inequality" (U Arizona Press, 2025)

Author: New Books Network April 19, 2025 Duration: 1:07:28
As the birthplace of maize and a celebrated culinary destination, Mexico stands at the crossroads of gastronomic richness and stark social disparities. In México Between Feast and Famine: Food, Corporate Power, and Inequality (University of Arizona Press, 2025), Dr. Enrique C. Ochoa unveils the historical and contemporary forces behind Mexico’s polarized food systems. México Between Feast and Famine provides one of the first comprehensive analyses of Mexico’s food systems and how they reflect the contradictions and inequalities at the heart of Mexico. Ochoa examines the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of neoliberal policies that have reshaped food production, distribution, and consumption in Mexico. Dr. Ochoa analyzes the histories of Mexico’s mega food companies, including GRUMA, Bimbo, Oxxo, Aurrera/Walmex, and reveals how corporations have captured the food system at the same time that diet-related diseases have soared. The author not only examines the economic and political dimensions of food production but also interrogates the social and cultural impacts. As debates around food sovereignty, globalization, and sustainable development intensify globally, México Between Feast and Famine provides a timely analysis that counters conventional narratives about Mexican cuisine. Even as it looks back, this work looks to the future, where more equitable and sustainable food systems prioritize social justice and community well-being. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the vibrant and complex world of Mexico through its latest scholarship. New Books in Mexican Studies, part of the New Books Network, moves beyond textbook summaries to bring you the authors themselves. Each conversation is a direct line to the research shaping our understanding of Mexico's past and present, covering everything from ancient history and revolutionary politics to contemporary art, social movements, and scientific inquiry. You'll hear two experts engage in a detailed, thoughtful discussion about a recently published book, unpacking its arguments, sources, and contributions to the field. This podcast serves as an academic audio library, making cutting-edge scholarship accessible to anyone curious about the depth and diversity of Mexican life and culture. The discussions are substantive yet approachable, offering listeners the chance to eavesdrop on the kind of dialogue that usually happens in university corridors or at academic conferences. Whether you're a seasoned scholar, a student, or simply an intellectually curious listener, these episodes provide a rich, nuanced perspective that challenges simplistic narratives. It’s about hearing the stories behind the studies and understanding why this work matters now. Tune in to discover the people and ideas currently defining Mexican studies, one new book at a time.
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