Alimentação, identidade e patrimônio: um estudo sobre desperdício e xepa

Abstract

The work addresses the relationship between food, identity, and cultural heritage, investigating the practice of "xepa" and freeganism as expressions of resistance to the capitalist consumption system. The research adopts an anthropological perspective to analyze food waste, considering it not merely as an economic issue but as a social and cultural phenomenon rich in meaning. Food, beyond meeting biological needs, serves as a marker of identity and a form of cultural expression. Dietary habits, including production, consumption, and disposal, reveal social choices, values, and cultural traditions that shape belonging and social networks. The analysis of food waste, in particular, highlights contradictions in the current consumption model, where overproduction coexists with food insecurity. The practice of "xepa," common in street markets, is explored as a phenomenon that transcends the mere act of purchasing discounted food. It reflects social and economic tensions while symbolizing creativity and resilience in communities facing structural inequalities. "Xepa" redefines the concept of waste, transforming leftovers into valuable resources for individuals and families. Freeganism, in turn, is presented as a global movement of resistance against capitalist consumption. Inspired by practices such as collecting discarded food and boycotting industrialized products, the movement seeks more sustainable and ethical ways of living. Freegan practices, including "dumpster diving" and voluntary unemployment, challenge dominant market values, offering a critique of waste and the accumulation of goods. Street markets, described in the work as dynamic spaces rich in cultural significance, play a central role in the construction of identities and collective memories. The patrimonialization of markets, such as the Caruaru Market, exemplifies how these spaces can be recognized as cultural heritage. They not only promote economic exchange but also function as sites of celebration, resistance, and tradition preservation. The research also includes field notes from the city of Inhumas-GO, observing "xepa" practices and the social and cultural dynamics of local markets. The study highlights the importance of markets as spaces of social interaction, cultural resistance, and identity expression, proposing that food be understood as a central element in debates on sustainability, social justice, and cultural appreciation.