Consumption

This book provides a clear and concise introduction to the concept
of consumption and to the wide-ranging debates about the nature and
consequences of consumer society.

Community and social class appear to be in irreversible decline.
Job insecurity has grown, and fewer people see work as giving
meaning to their lives. Instead they turn to consumption for social
standing, a sense of identity, and personal fulfilment. We appear
to be living through a profound transition from a society based on
production to a new social order, the consumer society, from which
there is little chance of escape.

The book analyses the relationship between the rise of
consumerism and the transformation of the world of work, including
the new demands for 'emotional labour'. It concludes by
examining the limitations of consumer organizations and consumer
protection in a promotional culture dominated by global brands and
saturated with advertising, corporate sponsorship and product
placement.

This lively book will be essential reading for students and
researchers in sociology and cultural studies.