Addictive Consumption: Capitalism, Modernity and Excess

Gerda Reith's book explores key theoretical concepts in the sociology of consumption, drawing on Foucault, Marx, and Bataille to investigate how understandings of 'the problems of consumption change over time and what these changes can tell us about their wider social and political contexts. It uses ideas about consumption and addiction to explore issues around identity and desire, excess and control, and reason and disorder. The book demonstrates how modern practices of consumption are rooted in historical processes and embedded in geopolitical structures of power and asks what its various manifestations can tell us about wider issues in capitalist modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In her captivating new book, "Addictive Consumption," Gerda Reith delves into fundamental theoretical concepts within the sociology of consumption. Drawing upon the insights of Foucault, Marx, and Bataille, among others, she explores the evolving understandings of "the problems of consumption" across time and endeavors to uncover the broader social and political implications of these changes. Through this insightful inquiry, she employs concepts of consumption and addiction to examine issues related to identity, desire, excess, control, and reason versus disorder. Furthermore, she assesses how our notion of "normal" consumption has emerged as a response to regulating behavior historically perceived as disruptive or deviant, and how in the contemporary world, the darker aspects of consumption have been medicalized in terms of addiction, pathology, and irrationality.

By utilizing case studies encompassing drugs, food, and gambling, the volume vividly demonstrates how modern practices of consumption are deeply rooted in historical processes and intricately intertwined with geopolitical structures of power. It poses not only questions about the origins and evolution of modern consumer culture but also delves into the diverse manifestations of this culture, shedding light on broader issues within capitalist modernity.

"Addictive Consumption" is a thought-provoking and interdisciplinary work that will captivate scholars and students across sociology, psychology, history, philosophy, and anthropology. Its comprehensive approach offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of consumption in the modern world.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 246 x 173 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415268271