In the past 20 years, gender roles have seen a massive shift in the kitchen as men are more inclined than ever to not only cook to refuel, but to cook as a passion.
A study by the Future Foundation has determined that this change in attitude for males around cooking is real and present in society—they’ve named these passionate foodies, gastrosexuals. Canadian celebrity chef, author, and proud gastrosexual, Ted Reader, is leading the charge on the man in the kitchen revolution.
“Cooking for the gastrosexual isn’t just what they’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s an expression of their passion for food,” Reader explains. “Gastrosexuals are all about experimenting with new food not only for themselves but also for loved ones… What better way to impress a date than a fancy home cooked meal?”
The study found that gastrosexuals are characterized as males aged 25-44, upwardly mobile, aware and passionate about global cuisines, and cook to show their culinary skills.
“The gastrosexuals are the guys that love food and look at cooking as more of a hobby than a chore,” Reader says. “For me, there isn’t much better than firing up the BBQ and grilling dinner for my family and that’s how many of my fellow gastrosexuals feel.”
The term “gastrosexual” was coined for two reasons—one it emphasizes the gastronomical aspect that cooking has taken for this group and secondly, the term expressions the idea that masculinity and cooking are no longer mutually exclusive. Reader’s lengthy record of culinary creations and unique recipes throughout his cook books enhance the dominance of this demographic.
“I hope that the work I do in the culinary arts allows the gastrosexual group to grow and understand the joy of cooking,” Reader says.
Overall, the gastrosexual group represents the growing idea that cooking is more than just what we eat. Passion and creativity come together in the kitchen to change the way we look at food, our understanding of gender and ultimately the relationships with have with each other.
For more information on the study conducted visit http://www.theadnostic.com/lauren/EmergenceoftheGastrosexual.pdf.
