UNE political scientist Brian Duff publishes book on what restaurants mean to us — and why
In his newest book, “Restaurant,” the University of New England’s Brian Duff offers a thought-provoking meditation on what happens when we gather to eat — not just what’s on the plate, but what’s said across the table.
Published as part of Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons series, “Restaurant” examines the social and political meaning of dining out in today’s cultural climate.
From the rise of chef-celebrity culture to the crisis of conversation in the age of smartphones, Duff draws on his background as a political theorist to unpack what restaurants represent beyond cuisine.
“As much as restaurants are about food, they’re also about conversation,” said Duff, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science at UNE. “They’ve become one of the last places where we set aside our phones and might leave feeling nourished in both body and spirit.”
His book examines the relationship between the meaning we give to nourishment as it happens during restaurant meals and the shared meaning we create, or fail to create, across the restaurant table.
Spanning topics from family dynamics and gender roles to public discourse and writing about restaurant culture, “Restaurant” blends political reflection with social commentary. It invites readers to consider how the rituals of restaurant dining — subject to so much frothy discussion — carry surprising weight in shaping civic life and human connection.
Duff, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, is also the author of “The Parent as Citizen,” which explores how ideas about parenthood shape modern conceptions of citizenship. At UNE, his research bridges public policy, identity politics, and democratic engagement. His current work continues to explore how care and conversation influence civic behavior, especially in the context of gender and family.
“Restaurant” was released by Bloomsbury Academic on May 29 and is targeted toward readers seeking a deeper look into how something as familiar as a dinner reservation can reflect broader questions about care, community, and culture.
Image courtesy of Bloomsbury