Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture: A Political Economy Perspective

by McDonald; Matthew

• ISBN13: 9780415812030
• ISBN10: 0415812038
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2013-05-02
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Consumerism influences the way we view ourselves and others, the way we work, the design of our urban spaces, and the way we organize and spend our leisure time. If social psychology is to play a meaningful role in solving the problems of global warming, obesity, addiction, alienation, and exclusion it will need to gain a more comprehensive understanding of consumer culture. In Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture the authors present a critical analysis of the leading positions in social psychology from the perspective of classical and contemporary theories of consumer culture. Drawing on a range of cultural theories, including Marxism, poststructuralism, social theory, and feminism they show how the limitations of social psychology can be overcome by focusing on the interface between western consumer culture and social behaviour. Wide-ranging and challenging, the book offers a fresh insight into critical social psychology appropriate for upper undergraduate and postgraduate courses in personality, social psychology, critical and applied psychology. It will also appeal to those working in clinical, counselling, abnormal, and environmental psychology and anyone with an interest in the integration of critical social psychology and theories of consumer culture.