Introduction
Researching the role of consumption in our global society
Consumption, and the ways in which citizens and communities consume, stands at the epicentre of international public affairs, policy making and intellectual life. The future of democracy, wealth and welfare and the changing relationship of commerce and culture are just a sample of the debated subjects that are heavily influenced by consumer rights and interests, culture and policy.
Background
This £5 million programme, jointly funded by ESRC and AHRC, began in 2002 and closed in 2007. It brought together leading researchers from the arts and humanities and the social sciences. Its purpose was to deepen understanding of consumption and consumers by exploring the dynamics of consumer cultures and to highlight political, economic and cultural implications for the future.
The Programme
Commissioning took place in two phases and 26 research projects were supported. These ranged from the consumption of public services in Britain to the consumption of drugs in East Africa. A programme of International Visiting Fellowships also attracted 13 scholars from seven countries to the UK to contribute to the work of the programme.
Programme Contacts
Professor Frank Trentmann , Programme Director
Find out more
Further details about the programme and its outcomes can be found at www.consume.bbk.ac.uk
About AHRC Initiatives
This programme is one of the AHRC programmes which opens up opportunities for research that has intellectural and wider cultural, social or economic urgency and that the Council considers is best supported by concentrated investments. It will also assist researchers working on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas which do not fit into conventional funding opportunities.