Consumer cultures and everyday life

Consumption is an important part of modern life. This course examines the role of consumer culture in the modern commodity economy and evaluates everyday life from a sociological perspective. It offers students a chance to revisit classical sociology theorists in the context of consumption (e.g., Marx, Weber, Veblen, Simmel), as well as some more contemporary thinkers on consumer culture (e.g., Bourdieu, Baudrillard) and everyday life (e.g., Lefebvre, Debord, de Certeau). It demonstrates how consumption in everyday life generates a fascinating mix of homogeneity, difference, hybridity, commerce, and democratisation for modern people in major creative cities. This course will also incorporate a special focus on consumptive practices in the Asian region.