engleski

A Cup of Coffee: Spacial and Social Aspects

Thinking sociologically means to observe the world from a wider perspective, or in other words, to develop imagination. Sociological imagination requires us to thoughtfully step back from the usual, known routines of everyday life, in order to observe them in a new manner (Giddens, 2007:2-4). Drinking coffee, although an everyday practice which can be regarded as trivial, represents a ritual, strongly rooted in Croatian society. Coffee consumption is part of consumer culture. Research conducted in 2012 showed that 80% of Croatian citizens above the age of 15 consume coffee every day. Cafés are numerous in Croatian cities, as well as are a part of resident’s lives. As places of communications and interactions, cafés are socially vibrant places. The aim of our research was to examine the personal context, social functions, and the spacial context of coffee consumption. The survey research was conducted on a convenience sample of young citizens of Split. The results show that respondents start drinking coffee between 15 and 19 years of age. Coffee is mostly consumed every day, one to two cups per day, while most popular is caffe macchiato. Along with a cigarette, respondents drink coffee primarily for pleasure. Coffee-to-go is not widely accepted which can be explained in the context of sociality of coffee consumption, as well as its association with the prevailing lifestyle. Most respondents drink coffee at their favorite café, in the company of friends and colleagues, but in 40% of the cases they enjoy their cup of coffee alone. While drinking coffee, young people talk about light topics, they make jokes and talk about their successes and plans for the future. Considerably, fewer conversations are lead about personal or social problems. Cafes are spaces where diverse events and situations take place ; businesses arrangements are made, relationships are started and ended. The most common situation happened in cafe is an encounter with an old friend that is experienced by 90% of respondents. Based on the results, cafés are social places while coffee consumption appears as a social act and practice.

Consumption; Coffee; Research

nije evidentirano