The Unmanageable Consumer

Description

‘The Unmanageable Consumer has long been one of my favorite books in the sociology of consumption. This long overdue third edition has updated and revised the basic argument in many ways. Most importantly, it now offers a new chapter on the consumer as worker or, more generally, the prosumer. Assign it to your classes (I have…and will again) and read it for your edification.’ – George Ritzer, Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland, USA ‘This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding one of the most complex and multifaceted concepts of our time: the idea of the consumer. I cannot recommend it highly enough.’ – Mark Tadajewski, Professor of Marketing, Durham University Business School, UK Western-style consumerism is often presented as unstoppable, yet its costs mount and its grip on consumer reality weakens. In this completely rewritten 20th Anniversary edition, Gabriel and Lang restate their thesis that consumerism is more fragile and unmanageable than is assumed b