Consuming family quality time: the role of technological devices at mealtimes

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how technological devices impact on family mealtime rituals. The intention is to understand how the consumption of technological devices transforms eating practices, and how the meanings of family quality time are continuously evolving through the consumption of mobile media devices. Design/methodology/approach – Insights are drawn from two independent, ethnographic studies that adopted an interpretive approach which employed multiple methods, including 63 visual diaries; 40 written diaries; observations in schools, homes, and Sikh temples (73 items observed), and 66 in-depth interviews. Both studies involved children, aged between 13 and 17 years within the UK, and were conducted for a period of over 12 months each. Informants were recruited through interaction with schools, Sikh temples and the Sikh community. Findings – The findings reveal interplay between family quality time, and the consumption of technological devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, ipods and their associated application packages. Of particular interest is how these devices transfer cultural meanings surrounding family mealtime interactions. The paper uncovers how family quality time is altered and evolved in form, but not ultimately abandoned, and argues that the pervasive nature of technology at mealtimes has implications into food cultures and identity. Originality/value – The encroachment of media devices on the food environment has often been described with negativity. However, this study tells a different, yet positive tale about transformations in social institutions such as the family and the school as a consequence of the consumption of technological devices at mealtimes.

The role of mobile devices in 21st-century family communication

“…They discussed the annoyance of the distraction mobile devices caused at mealtimes. This finding supports current literature on dissension at mealtimes (Chitakunye & Takhar, 2014; Villegas, 2013). Others have discussed the importance of establishing barriers in order to avoid family disconnect; for example, Taylor (2013) discussed how adults can become just as engrossed as children in technology.…”

“…This study found the overarching paradoxical theme to be family connect–family disconnect. Consistent with the current research, it has been shown that mobile devices have the capability of fostering family connectedness (Devitt & Roker, 2009; Khan & Markopoulos, 2009; Linke, 2012; Padilla-Walker et al, 2012; Stafford & Hillyer, 2012; Villegas, 2013; Wilding, 2006) as well as causing family disconnect (Carvalho et al, 2014; Chesley, 2005; Chitakunye & Takhar, 2014; Khan & Markopoulos, 2009; Padilla-Walker et al, 2012; Villegas, 2013). Further, our understanding of the intergenerational differences regarding mobile devices and family communication was explored.…”

“…Media at mealtimes can interrupt viable opportunities to connect conversationally through stories, joys, and concerns (Villegas, 2013). According to Chitakunye and Takhar (2014), there is a generational divide regarding the appropriateness of having mobile media at the table. While teenagers focus on the positive uses of mobile devices during mealtimes, many parents believe they hinder family communication and quality time.…”

The future of food experiences

“…On a business trip the consumer maybe invited to enjoy typical regional food and beverages with business partners in a restaurant. While being at home for the weekend, food experiences provide a platform for social interaction and enjoyment with families and friends ( Chitakunye & Takhar, 2014 ).…”

Customer complaint journey mapping: a qualitative approach

“…A fuller understanding of complaints in relation to services demands real-time, dynamic complaints captured in their natural settings and incorporating "multiple voices in the research process" (Chitakunye et al, 2014(Chitakunye et al, , p. 1167, including those outside of the traditional dyad (Kim et al, 2014). This argument appears particularly true in the restaurant context where actors come together to create value through a service-dominant logic (Baron and Harris, 2010).…”