The Changing Landscape of China’s Consumerism

An incisive looks at the social and economic politics of China's emerging middle class, and its complex relationships with consumerism

Alison Hulme (Edited by)

9781843347613, Elsevier Science

Hardback, published 15 July 2014

256 pages
23.3 x 15.6 x 2.1 cm, 0.54 kg

"Consumerism...is better seen as an ideology or a set of values, and we will be better served by viewing Chinese consumerism dissected and diagnosed as such, in an ongoing ideological battleground that involves all members of society across the world. For that, this book is certainly a good starting point." --Pacific Affairs, The Changing Landscape of China’s Consumerism

Consumerism in China has developed rapidly. The Changing Landscape of China's Consumerism looks at the growth of consumerism in China from both a socio-economic and a political/cultural angle. It examines changing trends in consumption in China as well as the impact of these trends on society, and the politics and culture surrounding them. It examines the ways in which, despite needing to "unlock" the spending power of the rural provinces, the Chinese authorities are also keen to maintain certain attitudes towards the Communist Party and socialism "with Chinese Characteristics." Overall, it aims to show that consumerism in China today is both an economic and political phenomenon and one which requires both surrounding political culture and economic trends for its continued establishment. The ways in which this dual relationship both supports and battles with itself are explored through apposite case studies including the use of New Confucianism in the market context, the commodification of Lei Feng, the new Chinese tourist as a diplomatic tool in consumption, the popularity of Shanzhai (fake product) culture, and the conspicuous consumption of China's new middle class.

Introduction: In pusuit of status: The rising consumerism of China's middle class - Xin Wang
Mao's children are wearing fashion! - Calvin Hui
Learning to consume Tibet - Gabriel Lafitte
Dolce & Banana, A Shanzai Creator's Manual: Production and consumption of fake in contemporary Chinese art practices - Karen Tam
Thriving medical consumerism in the margin of the state: A case study of medical pluralism in Southwest China - Qingyan Ma
Frugalists, anti-consumers and prosumers: Chinese philosophical perspectives on consumerism - Geir Sigurdsson
'To live is to serve the people': The spirit of model soldier Lei Feng in postmodernity - Andreas Steen
Advertising and China: How does a love/hate relationship work - Giovanna Puppin

Subject Areas: Development economics & emerging economies [KCM], International economics [KCL], Economic growth [KCG], Economic theory & philosophy [KCA]