Contradictions of Consumption: Concepts, Practices and Politics in Consumer Society - Hardcover

Edwards, Tim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0335199186 ISBN 13: 9780335199181

Publisher: Open University Press, 2000

Synopsis

How has consumer society develop? What are the social divisions, politics and policies associated with consumption? How do consumer practices have social significance? This accessible text book shows how consumption is increasingly important in dominating our individual lives and indeed the entire development and direction of contemporary society, nationality and internationally. Consumption is inherently contradictory in its nature and meaning. The most rapturous form of shopping, for example clothes purchasing on unlimited plastic in a shopping mall, may turn into the mops tortuous as th shopper tires, the clothes don't fit, and the car park is cramped. Tim Edwards argues that the practice of consumption itself and consumer society more widely is often socially divisive and iniquitous, and examines the extent to which consumer power is real or illusory. He provides a thorough analysis and critique of the theories, practices and politics of consumer society. In particular, this book addresses th social divisions of consumption through topics such as fashion, advertising and marketing, s well as more classical and contemporary theories of consumer society. It will appeal to a wide range of students in sociology, cultural studies, social policy and the politics of identity.

About this title

About the Author:

/pas0/Tim Edwards is a lecturer in sociology at the University of Leicester. His previous works include Erotics and Politics (1994) and Men in the Mirror (1997). He has lectured and published widely on subjects relating to masculinity, sexuality and consumption.

About this edition

• Publisher: Open University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0335199186
• ISBN 13: 9780335199181
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Edwards Tim