ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the notion of social learning in which a conceptual account of the social context of school meal time is discussed. This part of the book begins to highlight key narratives and influences in how the school dining hall is considered to be of great importance to the social development of a child. For instance, discussions on changes to the school dining environment are introduced alongside the impact of food education and the notion of the ‘pedagogic meal’, a term first coined in a Swedish context. Social learning is used synonymously with social skills, but what makes this particular discussion interesting is that the type of learning taking place is not necessary a seen phenomenon. Whilst, certain skills can be both taught by the adults in the dining environment, children are also able to learn from one another and through conversing as the practice of eating together is so important in shaping future citizens.
