The Sociology of Consumption

This introduction to the sociology of consumption critically examines the relation between production and consumption in late capitalist societies. After a detailed historical overview of the advents of consumer society, the author examines theoretical accounts of consumption and consumer practice, in particular: Veblen and conspicuous consumption practice; Mary Douglas on the world of goods; Jean Baudrillard on the system of objects; and Pierre Bourdieu on cultural capital. The student is then invited to make use of the tools provided by the theoretical and historical discussion to examine key themes such as the "shopping experience"; advertising and print media and their relation to gender and identity; food and the "civilizing process"; the tourist gaze and the heritage industry; and the grammar of fashion.