A comparative study on Interactions of Globalizing halal, Daily Practices, and Religious Norms in Asia

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25870825
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cultural anthropology; Eating habits
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: SAI Yukari 早稲田大学, イスラーム地域研究機構, 招聘研究員 (90367152)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ハラール / 食文化 / グローバル化 / イスラーム / 制度化 / 規格 / 日常実践 / 協働

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research project explores the current state of halal industry and consumption in Asia, focusing on the process of introducing modern halal industry, and the discourses and practices of halal food consumption. Based on the ethnographic research, the project argues the relationship between religious norms/commercial values and local cultures/Islamic values in China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan. Each case suggests that top-down management of halal matters at governments/industry level develop industrial standards and certification systems, which are not necessarily correspond personal choice in peoples’ everyday life. In terms of access to and the culinary image of halal food in everyday life, it was found that Muslims prioritize service providers’ honesty and responsibility, while non-Muslims consume halal food as an alternative to local cuisine or as an economic tool.

Free Research Field

文化人類学