Food experience in the dialectic of globalization and localization: An intergenerational assessment

This study aims to examine the effects of globalization-localization processes on food experience in a multidimensional manner, and to examine local consumers' perceptions of the globalization-localization dialectic and the reflections of these perceptions on their food experiences. The study aims to reveal how globalization creates an interaction and transformation in the context of homogenization, heterogeneity and localization from an intergenerational perspective. In this context, the perceptions of the global and local gastronomy understandings of generations X, Y and Z were evaluated comparatively; and it was analyzed how these perceptions led to a difference in food experiences. A qualitative research design was adopted in the study and the province of Antalya, which stands out with its gastronomic diversity, was selected as the research field. Three basic methods were used in the data collection process: document analysis, focus group interview and semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. In the first stage, sources on the effects of globalization on gastronomy were examined and document analysis was performed, and in this process, the conceptual framework was structured through written and digital sources. In the second stage, the menu contents of food and beverage businesses operating in Antalya were examined using the content analysis method, and the distribution of local and global dishes in menu items was evaluated. In the next stage, a focus group interview was conducted with expert academicians working in the field of tourism, and the research data were analyzed in depth. In the last stage, interviews were conducted with local consumers from different generations (X, Y, Z). The findings obtained show that in the definition of globalization, definitions based on the concepts of ethnic cuisine, fast consumption habits, and fast food gained weight. In the definition of localization, it is seen that localization is defined through the concepts of belonging, gastronomic identity, and gastronomic heritage. The results of the study show that globalization and localization can have both positive and negative perceptions in cultural, industrial, and individual dimensions. In addition, according to the study, the homogenizing effects of globalization bring about a global similarity in the dining experience, while its heterogenizing effect provides diversity in the dining experience. In addition, the results regarding the effect of localization on the dining experience show that localization creates effects in terms of preserving and ensuring the continuity of the local culinary culture. The results regarding generational changes show that there are significant differences between generations in the dining experience. While Generation X shows a strong tendency to preserve and transmit local culinary culture, Generation Y exhibits a heterogeneous approach that blends both traditional and global culinary elements. Generation Z, on the other hand, tends to turn more towards global brands, fast consumption and digital gastronomy channels, indicating that this situation causes the bond with local cuisine to weaken compared to other generations. The results of the study show that the dialectic of globalization and localization can have different effects on the dining experience, both homogeneous and heterogeneous, and in terms of preserving and maintaining locality.