Contemporary Consumer Culture Theory

"This volume offers a palette of expanding possibilities for consumer cultural studies in leveraging current scholarly developments with activism and practical savvy in better understanding and addressing a number of pressing social issues. From changing notions of personhood with technology, to ethnic marginalization, women's dis/empowerment, and ecological intervention, authors advance critical reflection, humanistic inclination, and solid fieldwork in essays, photographs and poems attending to the contemporary blend of ritual, meaning, organization, and economic exchange in ways that will delight, challenge and inspire studies of consumption well into the future."--Lisa Penaloza, Professor of Marketing, Kedge Business School, France

"Contemporary Consumer Culture Theory is a veritable time machine that enables readers to revisit the foundational concepts of CCT and to discover the new terrains and conceptual innovations that are likely to set the field's future. This volume is a must read for anyone seeking path breaking insights into the connections between consumer culture, marketplace structures, and the consumption practices that animate everyday life." --Craig J. Thompson, Churchill Professor of Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A.

"Consumer culture is ubiquitous; consumer culture theorizing much less so. Considering the significance of consumer culture for life styles, economies, sustainability issues and global and local (identity) politics, this is a surprising condition. However, and luckily, it is also a changing condition. Consumption and consumer culture is becoming an increasingly significant topical area across various social sciences. The research field known as Consumer Culture Theory constitutes a pivotal part of this movement, and this volume testifies to its strength and viability, innovativeness and insight. A book for anyone interested in consumer culture(s)."--Soren Askegaard, Professor of Marketing, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

"An immensely valuable volume of contemporary thought from the undisputed masters of the field. Emphasizing technological transformation, the practical application of theory, and morally activist scholarship, the diverse chapters in this book are essential reading for researchers, students, and anyone interested in learning where the cutting edge of consumer culture theory currently is--and where it is headed tomorrow!"-- Robert Kozinets, Hufschmid Professor of Strategic Public Relations, University of Southern California, U.SA.

"This is indeed an enormously thought-provoking compendium of diverse approaches to understanding contemporary consumer culture. The book is unique in that these diverse approaches point to inspiring future directions for the field. Hence, the book promises to energize new ways of thinking that will maintain the vibrancy of CCT well into the future. I loved the sheer scope of endeavour encapsulated in 'go big or go home'."--Paul Henry, Associate Professor, The University of Sydney Business School, Australia