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Social activism in an age of consumption: the organized consumer movement.

The article explores the nature of activism in a consumer society during an age of consumption. A case-study of those organizations which engaged with the products and culture of affluence, and a history of consumer activism as an international or transnational phenomenon are offered. An overview of...

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Published in:Social History Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 121 - 144
Main Author: Hilton, Matthew
Format: Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd May2007
Subjects:
Consumers
Activism
Consumption (Economics)
Consumerism
Social movements
Social change
Wealth
Globalization
Social history
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Summary:The article explores the nature of activism in a consumer society during an age of consumption. A case-study of those organizations which engaged with the products and culture of affluence, and a history of consumer activism as an international or transnational phenomenon are offered. An overview of the rise of consumer testing organizations in North American and western Europe is taken. The global dimensions of consumerism during a period of increasing economic and political globalization are also emphasized. Developing world consumer activism is also focused.