Consumption

This book provides a critical assessment of theoretical approaches to the study of consumption and the possibilities these frameworks can offer. It argues that consumption is both an unavoidable part of life and an ongoing dialectical process and that it is how most of us intervene in culture. It is a valuable introduction to the concept of consumption for researchers and undergraduate and postgraduate students in a range of fields within the humanities and social sciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of consumption as a sociological concept, emphasizing its inherent inevitability and ongoing dialectical nature. It critically assesses a diverse range of theoretical approaches to studying consumption, highlighting the potential insights and limitations they offer.

Consumption, as understood within the sociological framework, encompasses a wide spectrum of human activities and experiences. It extends beyond mere shopping and encompasses the consumption of food, drink, literature, media, art, and social interactions. It recognizes that consumption is not limited to a specific segment of society but is a fundamental aspect of human existence.

One of the key insights of this book is its recognition that consumption is not merely a passive act but an active and meaningful process. It challenges the notion that the meaning and use of things are predetermined by their production or materiality. Instead, consumption is reconceived as an activity that involves the active engagement of individuals and the construction of meaning through the use and interpretation of objects and experiences.

This book further explores the relationship between consumption and notions of agency. It emphasizes that consumption is not solely determined by external factors such as advertising, marketing, or societal norms. Instead, individuals have the capacity to shape and redefine their consumption practices based on their own preferences, values, and cultural contexts. Consumption becomes a means of expressing identity, social status, and cultural belonging.

The book also examines the various theoretical frameworks and perspectives that have been employed to study consumption. It discusses the classical sociological approaches, such as Marxism and functionalism, as well as newer perspectives that incorporate post-structuralism, consumer culture theory, and the sociology of emotions. Each theoretical framework offers unique insights into the complexities of consumption, allowing researchers to explore different aspects of the phenomenon from various angles.

Furthermore, this book provides valuable insights for researchers and students in a wide range of fields within the humanities and social sciences. It serves as a comprehensive introduction to the concept of consumption, equipping readers with the necessary tools to understand its significance. It is particularly useful for those studying sociology, history, anthropology, English, media and cultural studies, as well as other disciplines that intersect with consumption.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking and accessible exploration of consumption as a sociological concept. It provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of various theoretical approaches, highlighting their potential insights and limitations. By reconceiving consumption as an active and meaningful process, it challenges the traditional notion of passive consumption and emphasizes the agency of individuals in shaping their consumption practices. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of consumption in contemporary society.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032124193