Re-imagining Milk

by Andrea S. Wiley

Milk is a fascinating it is produced by mothers of each mammalian species for consumption by nursing infants of that species, yet many humans drink the milk of another species (mostly cows) and they drink it throughout life. Thus we might expect that this dietary practice has some effects on human biology that are different from other foods. In Re-imagining Milk Wiley considers these, but also puts milk-drinking into a broader historical and cross-cultural context. In particular, she asks how dietary policies promoting milk came into being in the U.S., how they intersect with biological variation in milk digestion, how milk consumption is related to child growth, and how milk is currently undergoing globalizing processes that contribute to its status as a normative food for children (using India and China as examples). Wiley challenges the reader to re-evaluate their assumptions about cows' milk as a food for humans. Informed by both biological and social theory and data, Re-imagining Milk provides a biocultural analysis of this complex food and illustrates how a focus on a single commodity can illuminate aspects of human biology and culture.

Genres: Anthropology

156 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2010

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting look at the politics and some of the subtle factors that play into milk consumption and advertising in this country. Discusses the prevalence of lactose intolerance/ lactase impersistance and the brings to question ethics of the tolerance treatment of those experiencing these symptoms. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in Anthropology, Milk consumption, United States Policies, or underlying implications of race and class in America.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 This was pretty good!! I really enjoyed the first few chapters but felt like it kept reiterating the same points over and over to where it got a little annoying. But overall it gave great perspective on the history of milk consumption, how it is a part of globalization/Westernization, and nationalist rhetoric especially about childhood growth and strength. Written in a very accessible and engaging way too and not a hard read!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book manages to cover a lot of information in relatively few pages—and all without getting bogged down by overuse of statistics.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't remember everything about this book since I read it for a class a few years ago, but it did include interesting bits on lactose intolerance, and the new prevalence of milk sales in Asia (despite the prevalence of lactose intolerance there).

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative read. Though full to the brim of statistics and facts, overall it provides a well-rounded exploration of the evolution of milk consumption in the world.