Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture - 9780415560030

Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture: A Political Economy Perspective presents a critical analysis of the leading positions in social psychology from the perspective of classical and contemporary theories of consumer culture. The analysis seeks to expand social psychological theory by focusing on the interface between modern western culture (consumer culture) and social behaviour.

The authors argue that if social psychology is to play a meaningful role in solving some of society’s most complex problems (e.g. global warming, obesity, addiction, alienation, and exclusion) then it needs to incorporate a more comprehensive understanding and analysis of consumer culture. McDonald and Wearing draw on a range of consumer culture theorists and their perspectives including Marxism, poststructuralism, social theory, and feminism, pointing out the various limitations in social psychological theorising.

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 social psychology and theories of consumer culture.