Save up to 30% on Elsevier print and eBooks with free shipping. No promo code needed.
Save up to 30% on print and eBooks.
The Changing Landscape of China’s Consumerism
1st Edition - July 2, 2014
Editor: Alison Hulme
Language: English
Hardback ISBN:9781843347613
9 7 8 - 1 - 8 4 3 3 4 - 7 6 1 - 3
eBook ISBN:9781780634425
9 7 8 - 1 - 7 8 0 6 3 - 4 4 2 - 5
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 politi…Read more
Purchase options
LIMITED OFFER
Save 50% on book bundles
Immediately download your ebook while waiting for your print delivery. No promo code is needed.
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.
Provides innovative interdisciplinary research, useful to cultural studies, sociology, Chinese studies, and politics
Examines changes in consumerism from multiple perspectives
Allows both micro and macro insights into consumerism in China by providing specific case studies, while placing these within the context of geo-politics and grand theory
Teachers at all levels, and students in various disciplines, including (but not limited to) cultural studies, politics, sociology, and Chinese Studies. Also, intelligent lay-readers interested in learning more about consumption in current-day China.
List of abbreviations
Acknowledgements
About the editor
About the contributors
Introduction Iron rice bowls and plastic money: the push and pull of consumerism’s rise in capitalist/communist China
Chapter 1: In pursuit of status: the rising consumerism of China’s middle class
Abstract:
Introduction
Tastes, symbols, and lifestyles: consumers of media
Cultural and social consumers
Consumption of education
Consumers of technology and online shopping
Home ownership
Images of the ‘explosive rich’ versus the ‘cultured’
Conclusion
Chapter 2: Mao’s children are wearing fashion!
Abstract:
Introduction
The portrait of the female factory worker in her red dress
The revisionist narrative and its discontents
Conclusion: from gender to sexuality – the sexual politics of fashion and consumption
Chapter 3: Learning to consume Tibet
Abstract:
Notes
Chapter 4: Dolce & Banana, A Shanzhai Creator’s Manual: production and consumption of fake in contemporary Chinese art practices
Abstract:
Introduction
Chinese paintings, calligraphies, and their forgeries
Canton export paintings
‘Capitalism with Chinese characteristics!’ – fakes and knock-offs
Shanzhai spirit – creativity and innovation
‘Never meant to copy – only want to surpass’: shanzhai architecture and villages
The art of shanzhai – Dafen Oil Painting Village
The new artist-clients
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Thriving medical consumerism in the margin of the state: a case study of medical pluralism in Southwest China
Abstract:
The problem
The theories
The setting
The medicines
Concluding observations
Chapter 6: Frugalists, anti-consumers, and prosumers: Chinese philosophical perspectives on consumerism
Abstract:
Introduction
Are Confucians ‘capitalist-roaders’?
Can Confucians be consumer-capitalists? Can consumer-capitalists be Confucian?
Anti-consumers and prosumers: Mohists and Daoists
Concluding reflections
Chapter 7: ‘To live is to serve the people’: the spirit of model soldier Lei Feng in postmodernity
Abstract:
Introduction
‘The Lei Feng spirit will always exist!’
Lei Feng enthusiasm: activities and propaganda
Consumption, irony, and commerce
Concluding remarks
Chapter 8: Advertising and China: How does a love/hate relationship work?
Abstract:
Guess who’s back?
Capitalist or socialist, that is the question
Dancing with wolves
The show must go on
References
Index
No. of pages: 256
Language: English
Edition: 1
Published: July 2, 2014
Imprint: Chandos Publishing
Hardback ISBN: 9781843347613
eBook ISBN: 9781780634425
AH
Alison Hulme
Alison Hulme teaches at Goldsmiths College, University of London, from where she gained her PhD in Cultural Studies in 2011 and her MA in Anthropology in 2006. She also has a BA in Media Studies from the University of Sussex. She has previously taught intensive courses in contemporary China at the University of Iceland and Beijing Foreign Studies University. Her work focuses on media culture with an emphasis on China (film, TV, state-produced poster campaigns, imagery of cities, etc.), the history of entrepreneurialism in China, and material culture. These strands are linked by a concern with theories of the commodity and consumption. Alison also takes on social research consultancies. Prior to entering academia, Alison was a radio and TV presenter for many years. In her spare time she jointly runs a film club and has a particular interest in 1930s Chinese leftist cinema and the French films of Jacques Tati.
Affiliations and expertise
Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK
Read The Changing Landscape of China’s Consumerism on ScienceDirect