Collecting in a Consumer Society

Collecting, whether by individuals or institutions, is a form of consumption. Russell W. Belk, in this groundbreaking book, examines the relationship between the development of the consumer society and the rise of collecting by individuals and institutions. He also considers how and why people collect, as individuals, corporations and museums, and the impact this collecting has on us and our culture. Collecting in a Consumer Society outlines the history of museum collecting from ancient civilizations to the present. It also looks at aspects of consumer culture advertising, department stores, mass merchandising, consumer desires, and how this relates to the activity of collecting. Collecting in a Consumer Society is the first book to focus on collecting as material consumption. This is a provocative and engaging book, essential reading for anyone involved with the process of collecting. COLLECTING IN A CONSUMER SOCIETY Collecting, whether by individuals or institutions, is a form of consumption. Russell W. Belk, in this groundbreaking book, examines the relationship between the development of the consumer society and the rise of collecting by individuals and institutions. He also considers how and why people collect, as individuals, corporations and museums, and the impact this collecting has on us and our culture. Collecting in a Consumer Society outlines the history of museum collecting from ancient civilizations to the present. It also looks at aspects of consumer culture advertising, department stores, mass merchandising, consumer desires, and how this relates to the activity of collecting. Collecting is an acceptable form of consuming. It is widely considered to contribute something to society rather than just being self-indulgent like shopping. Collecting allows us to escape the guilt or shame that might otherwise be associated with gathering material possessions. Collecting in a Consumer Society is the first book to focus on collecting as material consumption. This is a provocative and engaging book, essential reading for anyone involved with the process of collecting.Belk, Russell is the author of 'Collecting in a Consumer Society', published 2001 under ISBN 9780415258487 and ISBN 0415258480.