The Changing Landscape of China's Consumerism

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.

• Introduction: In pusuit of status: The rising consumerism of China's middle class - Xin Wang; Mao's children are wearing fashion! - Calvin Hui; Learning to consume Tibet - Gabriel Lafitte; Dolce & Banana, A Shanzai Creator's Manual: Production and consumption of fake in contemporary Chinese art practices - Karen Tam; Thriving medical consumerism in the margin of the state: A case study of medical pluralism in Southwest China - Qingyan Ma; Frugalists, anti-consumers and prosumers: Chinese philosophical perspectives on consumerism - Geir Sigurdsson; 'To live is to serve the people': The spirit of model soldier Lei Feng in postmodernity - Andreas Steen; Advertising and China: How does a love/hate relationship work - Giovanna Puppin

"Consumerism...is better seen as an ideology or a set of values, and we will be better served by viewing Chinese consumerism dissected and diagnosed as such, in an ongoing ideological battleground that involves all members of society across the world. For that, this book is certainly a good starting point." --Pacific Affairs, The Changing Landscape of China’s Consumerism"I recommend it to all those who are either interested in learning about contemporary consumer culture in China or committed to engaging in serious research." --Journal of Economics