As a Way of Life
This book provides an introduction to the historical and theoretical foundations of consumerism. It then moves on to examine the experience of consumption in the areas of space and place, technology, fashion, `popular' music and sport. Throughout, the author brings a critical perspective to bear upon the subject, thus providing a reliable and stimulating guide to a complex and many-sided field.
Focusing on the shift from consumption of goods to the purchase of experiences, this book examines the implications of contemporary capitalism. It explores how leisure has become a means of escaping everyday life rather than achieving a utopian ideal. Through various examples like sports, architecture, and social media, Steven Miles critiques the colonization of experiences by consumer culture, revealing the ideological and psycho-social tensions inherent in the experience society. This critical analysis highlights capitalism's deepening impact on daily existence.