SAGE Handbook of Consumer Culture

The SAGE Handbook of Consumer Culture is a comprehensive resource for scholars and students exploring the meanings of consumption in relation to lifestyle and identity, covering sociology, geography, marketing, media, cultural studies, and politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2018
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

The exploration of consumption as a central theme in research and scholarship gained significant prominence in the 1990s, yet the vastness and multifaceted nature of consumer culture have remained largely underexplored. The meanings of consumption, particularly in connection to lifestyle and identity, hold immense significance in various academic domains, including business studies, sociology, cultural and media studies, psychology, geography, and politics.

To address this gap, The SAGE Handbook of Consumer Culture emerges as a comprehensive and indispensable resource for scholars and students delving into the realm of consumption. Edited by a team of esteemed scholars from diverse global backgrounds, this handbook offers a systematic exploration of the key dimensions of consumer culture.

Part 1: Sociology of Consumption
In this section, the editors present a comprehensive examination of the sociological aspects of consumption. Contributors delve into the social processes, structures, and dynamics that shape consumer behavior, attitudes, and practices. They explore the role of social class, gender, race, and culture in shaping consumer preferences, consumption patterns, and consumer identities. The section also examines the consumer's relationship with the marketplace, including the power dynamics between producers, consumers, and the media.

Part 2: Geographies of Consumer Culture
The second section of the handbook focuses on the geographical dimensions of consumer culture. Contributors examine the spatial distribution of consumer practices, products, and services across different regions and cultures. They explore the impact of globalization, technology, and transportation on consumer culture, as well as the local and regional variations in consumer behavior and consumption patterns. The section also examines the role of place, space, and environment in shaping consumer experiences and relationships with products and services.

Part 3: Consumer Culture Studies in Marketing
In this section, the editors present a comprehensive exploration of consumer culture studies in marketing. Contributors discuss the marketing strategies, practices, and techniques used to promote and sell products and services to consumers. They examine the role of advertising, branding, and consumer behavior in shaping consumer perceptions and preferences. The section also explores the consumer's role in the marketing process, including consumer activism, consumer participation, and consumer empowerment.

Part 4: Consumer Culture in Media and Cultural Studies
The fourth section of the handbook focuses on the intersection of consumer culture and media and cultural studies. Contributors examine the ways in which media, such as television, film, music, and advertising, shape consumer perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. They explore the role of media in constructing and perpetuating consumer culture, as well as the ways in which consumers engage with and interpret media content. The section also examines the impact of media on consumer identity and self-expression.

Part 5: Material Cultures of Consumption
The fifth section of the handbook explores the material aspects of consumer culture. Contributors examine the consumption of goods, services, and experiences in relation to their materiality, including the production, distribution, and disposal of consumer products. They explore the role of material culture in shaping consumer experiences, values, and identities, as well as the environmental and social implications of consumerism. The section also examines the role of design, fashion, and aesthetics in shaping consumer culture.

Part 6: The Politics of Consumer Culture
The final section of the handbook examines the political dimensions of consumer culture. Contributors explore the ways in which consumer culture is shaped and influenced by political institutions, policies, and ideologies. They examine the role of consumer activism, consumer advocacy, and consumer sovereignty in shaping the consumer landscape. The section also explores the relationship between consumer culture and power structures, including the corporate sector, government, and social movements.

In conclusion, The SAGE Handbook of Consumer Culture is a groundbreaking resource that provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the key dimensions of consumer culture. By bringing together contributions from a global and interdisciplinary team of scholars, this handbook offers a valuable platform for scholars and students to advance their understanding of consumption and its profound impact on society. Whether one is interested in sociology, geography, marketing, media, or politics, this handbook provides insightful perspectives and valuable insights into the complex and ever-evolving world of consumer culture.

Weight: 1172g
Dimension: 181 x 254 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473929517