This lucid introduction to the sociology of consumerism examines the relationship between
production and consumption in late capitalist societies. The historical and theoretical
discussion provides the student with the tools to examine key themes in the sociology of
consumption. After a detailed historical overview of the advent of consumer society Peter
Corrigan examines theoretical accounts of consumption and consumer practice including: Veblen
and conspicuous consumption Mary Douglas on the world of goods Jean Baudrillard on the system
of objects and Pierre Bourdieu on cultural capital. This historical and theoretical discussion
provides the student with the tools to examine key themes in the socio
