Caffeinated aspirations

Social mobilities and specialty coffee baristas in Brazil

Bibliographic Data

ID12799583
AuthorsSabine Parrish (0000-0001-6898-1835, University of Aberdeen, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume28
Issue3
Pages593-617
Publication date2024-05-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFood Culture & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1552-8014 • E-ISSN: 1751-7443
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15528014.2024.2350137
OpenAlexW4396850257
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited61

This paper explores the work experiences of specialty coffee baristas in So Paulo, Brazil, considering specifically the role of passion and aspiration.Through ethnographic profiles of four baristas, it reveals how the pursuit of a good life through employment extends beyond immediate economic gain, but that there are complexities in converting forms of capital within the caf workplace which are shaped by Brazil's social context and distinct histories and hierarchies around food service labor.Success and longevity in the position was shaped by baristas' preexisting capital, and heavily mediated by socioeconomic status; although certain baristas faced more precarious trajectories, they called upon discourses of passion to mitigate challenges inherent in lower-waged food service work.By exploring the experiences and aspirations of baristas in Brazil, this paper sheds light on the complex dynamics of social mobility and labor in emerging connoisseur and artisan markets

Economic geography · Geography · Mobilities · Social science · Sociology · Digital Economy and Work Transformation · Global trade, sustainability, and social impact · Migration, Ethnicity, and Economy

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access