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One of the main reasons for the differences in eating patterns that can be found in the world is of an environmental and ecological nature. In particular, Harris (1985) emphasizes that differences in eating habits are attributed not to cultural differences but to cost and benefit considerations. In this case, it is precisely the restraints and opportunities offered by the environment for choosing food that have a special influence. Thus, the main hypothesis is that people-eating or insect-eating, which is not characteristic of Western society, comes from an economic or practical necessity.
In this case, an interesting example is why, according to the author, warfare cannibalism which was practiced by Aztecs, is not acceptable in modern society. It is economically and practically beneficial for contemporary governments to use vanquished people for activities for work. In particular, this is due to the fact that before the emergence of the state, smaller entities did not have an effective system for the use of enslaved people, which made cannibalism more cost-effective. Regarding insect-eating, which is more developed in African and Asian countries, Harris (1985) emphasizes that this is due to environmental factors. There are simply more different types of insects in the area due to the humid and warm climate, which makes their use the most beneficial.
Thus, people-eating and insect-eating have prevailed or are currently prevailing in certain societies due to the established culture. However, in earlier periods, this choice of food was dictated by purely practical needs. It was important for people to extract the maximum amount of protein and energy from food, which made it beneficial to use the most available sources. In turn, this aspect was determined precisely by the structure of the environment and natural sources of food.
Reference
Harris, M. (1985). Good to eat: Riddles of food and culture. Simon and Schuster.
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