Paper short abstract:

Reinforcing the notion of valuation devices, this research analyzes the interdependency of multiple, co-existing valuation devices in one market. It argues that this interdependency has lead to the spread of a new culinary form in Scandinavia, which has formed a change in fine-dining.

Paper long abstract:

This research lays ground in the question of the possible mutual relation of change and valuation. To find an answer to this question, it builds upon the growing interest in the study of valuation in general and investigates on co-existing valuations in particular. Therefore, it theoretically reinforces the notion of devices and conflates it with valuation studies in order to combine elements of both: I elaborate on the term valuation device, which I understand as a representative of one of the four categories of actions of valuation that Stark (2011) introduced: pricing, prizing, praising, and performing. I shed light on not only one, but multiple, co-existing valuation devices in one market, namely fine-dining. Empirically, this research is grounded on a mixed-method approach that investigates the foundation, development, and spread of the New Nordic Cuisine throughout Scandinavia and identifies the role of multiple valuation devices present in fine-dining. Focusing on both commonalities and differences in the practices of these valuation devices, this research argues that especially their overlap forms the possibility for change: While the initial idea of New Nordic Cuisine gained just little attention and their value was ascribed differently by different devices, the phenomenon of "New Nordic Cuisine" gained importance in the moment all valuation devices attained value to the cuisine. In sum, this research sheds light onto the interdependency of different valuation devices, which provides new insights on how value and values of something are established, maintained, and constructed.