Peter Edem Atitson

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Program Entrance

2023

Advisor

Dr. Alexia Smith

Research Interests

My research sits at the intersection of food anthropology, migration and diaspora studies, and the politics of identity.

I study how Ghanaian immigrants in Worcester, Massachusetts use food to represent community and identity, both within their families and to the wider city. My work asks how access to culturally appropriate ingredients, intergenerational change, and public food events like Ghana Fest shape what “Ghanaian food” comes to mean in diaspora.

Broadly, I’m interested in how everyday material practices like cooking, buying, selling and eating food become sites where belonging, rights, and recognition are negotiated.

Keywords: Food & identity, diaspora studies, African migration, urban anthropology, food justice, Ghana, New England.

About

What sparked your interest in Anthropology?

Anthropology presents an infinite curiosity about human behavior, offering the opportunity to interact with multiple groups of people and appreciating the understanding of each other’s unique abilities. This is a sparkling interest for me.

Where are you/will you be conducting your research/fieldwork?

Indigenous communities in West Africa including Ghana and Nigeria, and the USA.

What do you find most interesting about your field work/research location?

The Ghanaian community showcases a rich cultural heritage through diverse artistic expressions, including traditional Food festivals, music, dance, wood carvings, textiles, theater, cuisine, visual arts, folklore, fashion, and cultural events. And it’s worth experiencing.

What is your most memorable experience in the field so far, or most memorable lesson learned?

Community!

What do you do in your downtime? Share something interesting about yourself!

I like to cook, listen to music, and read!