Consuming Utopia: Cultural Studies and the Politics of Reading

Consuming Utopia critically examines utopian fiction from the perspective of cultural studies, arguing that the politics of utopian fiction are determined by the readers who engage with the texts rather than by the texts themselves. By engaging with seminal concepts in cultural studies, the book shows how reading utopian fiction works to make the meaning of such texts material and social, making them available for politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Consuming Utopia is a groundbreaking work that delves deep into the complexities of consumption and utopianism, building upon the author's previous two books on the subject. By adopting a critical perspective of cultural studies, John Storey offers a fresh and thought-provoking exploration of utopian fiction, encompassing both dystopian and anti-utopian narratives. Rather than focusing solely on the text itself, Storey emphasizes the social practices of reading and argues that the politics of utopian fiction are shaped by the individuals who engage with these texts and act upon their insights.

Storey contends that utopian fiction possesses a 'politics' that is determined by the active readers rather than being predefined by the text's inherent qualities. He believes that readership and readers are crucial in the production of politics beyond the confines of the text. By engaging with seminal concepts in cultural studies, Storey demonstrates how reading utopian fiction contributes to the materialization and socialization of meanings, making them accessible for political engagement.

This book is a vital addition to the literature on utopian fiction, appealing to scholars and students across a wide range of disciplines, including cultural studies, literary studies, comparative literature, cultural politics, utopian studies, and political theory. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which utopian fiction shapes our understanding of society, culture, and politics, and offers a framework for analyzing and interpreting these texts in a more nuanced and critical manner.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032067285