The Role of Food Culture in the Integration and Sense of Belonging of Bangladeshi Students in Brno, Czech Republic

Umme Khadija Islam

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the effects of food culture on the integration and sense of belonging of Bangladeshi students in Brno, Czech Republic. It examines how traditional food practices contribute to students' capacity to retain their cultural identity while adapting to a new environment. Applying qualitative methods (interviews), this article focuses on how access to ingredients, cooking habits, and food-related social activities impact students’ integration and sense of belonging. The outcome suggests that food serves as both a mechanism of cultural exchange and a method of social relations, yet some obstacles to integration may also include limited availability of necessary ingredients and unfamiliar local cuisine. Overall, the study highlights food as both a bridge and a cultural boundary in the process of integration and belonging.

Keywords

Food culture, migration, Bangladeshi students, Brno, identity, cultural capital, memory, integration, belonging, qualitative research

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 11. 12. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 13. 1. 2026
• Vedoucí: Mgr. Alica Synek Rétiová, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Ph.D. Eva Kotašková

Masarykova univerzita

Fakulta sociálních studií

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Cultural Sociology / Cultural Sociology