Coffee Sociological Analysis

850 Words4 Pages
Often unaware of the impact one has in society, people gravitate towards a self-centered point of view. However, observing the world through a lens that incorporates the greater population can provide insight about the society in which we thrive as human beings. Drifting away from this individualistic perspective, we begin to discover alternative and unfamiliar views that help us connect with those around. The sociological perspective is an ideology that forces us to pull away from our self-centered, narcissistic views and become more aware of the larger society as a whole. It “allows the individual to see the larger social context in which his or her life is lived and…give both understanding and meaning to personal experiences.” (Massey 13)…show more content…
Everyday objects are often overlooked but when analyzed carefully, they can provide much insight for a society. For many, coffee is an everyday acquaintance that gives the body a boost of energy when exhausted and tired. Although viewed as merely a drink or cooking ingredient, it has many other facets. Originally discovered in Ethiopia, the coffee bearing fruit quickly became known for its effects on alertness. Coffee rapidly crossed the seas and was introduced to Arabia. The agricultural development spread throughout Europe and then Latin America, where the coffee empire soon emerged. The elite drink became common for the general public (natgeo) and today, the coffee market brings many societies and cultures together. Grown in over fifty countries (ncausa), coffee creates competition and affects economies. These countries “rely upon coffee as a major source of foreign exchange. Some 25 million people depend upon it for their livelihood” (nytimes). With the growth of economies, country demographics change. Crops are altered and Immigrants move to foreign lands in hopes of making more money. In Ethiopia alone, coffee crops are grown in 400,000 hectares and agricultural community currently “represents 85% of employement and 90% of foreign exchange earnings” (equalexchange). Clearly, coffee plays an important role in the economic structure of this…show more content…
Coffee supply and demand affects how Brazilian and Colombian farmers choose their growing techniques to meet the people’s expectations (economist). Non-profit organizations, such as Fairtrade International, support farmers around the world and ensure they receive equitable prices for their crops. In exchange, the farmers promise consumers to follow environmental and labor guidelines. (nytimes). Through immigration and the trade system, coffee therefore brings people from all over the world closer together. Coffee is also a symbol for social interactions. Around 1000 A.D., public coffee houses began to emerge and people used this as an opportunity to meet and converse (ncausa). Today, friends come together to hang out at their local cafe, couples might stop-by for a coffee date and students may study together over coffee at a nearby Starbucks. The act of drinking coffee is not as important as the communication: it brings people
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