Please circulate.
Apologies for cross-posting.
***************************************************************
CALL FOR PAPERS
British Sociological Association Study Group on Consumption
Seminar at Lancaster University, 20 November 1998
Sociological perspectives on ordinary consumption
Analyses of consumption has often been accused of concentrating too
exclusively on spectacular, luxurious or fashionable items and practices.
Understandings of and generalizations about the social and cultural aspects
of consumer behaviour are much more frequently based upon reflection upon
tastes in popular music, clothing, automobiles, tourism and houses than upon
habits in the purchase and use of soap, bread, electricity, health care and
insurance policies. Whether the rhythms and determinants are similar for
special and unremarkable items, whether there is as much variation within as
between such categories of practice, are issues which should repay
investigation. We therefore are proposing to hold a seminar which pays
particular attention to ordinary consumption and invite empirical and
theoretical contributions.
Theoretical papers might reflect on classification and definition of
different types of consumption, or upon the value of concepts like habit or
routine. Empirical papers might refer to practices which would normally be
considered routine, habitual, taken-for-granted and therefore usually
granted limited social-symbolic significance. Among the topics that
occurred to us were how do items and practices come to be ordinary and how
do producers promote the consumption of ordinary goods.
We have already one paper offered for the programme by Shou Cheng-Lai,
'Ordinary and extra-ordinary consumption' which advances a conceptual
distinction in order to differentiate orientations to practice in an
emerging consumer culture, Taiwan. Other papers which draw upon
international comparisons would be very welcome.
Could offers of papers be despatched to Dale Southerton, Sociology
Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YL (or
[log in to unmask]) to arrive by October 10th. A programme for
the day, which will begin at 11.a.m and finish at 4.45, will then be
circulated. We hope you will present a paper or come along to participate
in discussion.
Cost to non-members of the BSA, £5
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|