Body, Class and Consumption

The course presents theoretical perspectives from media and communication studies and cultural sociology on the relationship between class, consumption and the body. It addresses how different bodies and consumption habits signify different identities, lifestyles and social positions, as well as how these tend to be ascribed with different value in society at large. The course has a special focus on the ways in which media representations of different bodies, consumption patterns, identities and lifestyles are central to this attribution of value and distribution of recognition to different groups, but it also treats internet and social media as a space for critique of prevailing value hierarchies and a resource in struggles for recognition. The course also discusses how the uneven distribution of recognition affects people’s health and well-being, as well as the ways in which today’s consumption society entails difficulties in terms of sustainability. The course combines theoretical studies with practical exercises and continuously considers questions of equality, diversity and sustainability.