Consumer Culture - Softcover

Lury, Celia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745643302 ISBN 13: 9780745643304

Publisher: Polity, 2011

Synopsis

The second edition of Consumer Culture brings this successful introductory textbook right up-to-date for students who are interested in the nature and role of consumption in modern societies. It introduces the importance of new object-based studies for consumer culture, as well as adding new chapters on branding and the rise of ethical consumption. Drawing on a wide range of studies, and using contemporary illustrations from the media and popular culture, the author examines the rise of consumer culture and the changing relations between the production and consumption of cultural goods. She argues that consumer culture has become increasingly stylized and now provides an important context for everyday creativity. The author explores the way an individual s position in social groups structured by class, gender, race and age affects the nature of his or her participation in consumer culture. She also argues that this has contributed to changes in the way in which individuals belong to these social groups. The powerful role consumption plays in our lives is thus revealed as consumer culture is seen to provide new ways of creating social and political identities.

About this title

Review:

"In a now vast literature Celia Lury's new edition stands out for its clarity and critical intelligence. In addition to offering a a guide through the thicket of new and old approaches, this book provides readers with a map to explore how consumption shapes personal and group identities." Frank Trentmann, Birkbeck College

About the Author:

Celia Lury is Professor of Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London

About this edition

• Publisher: Polity
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0745643302
• ISBN 13: 9780745643304
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 284