Historically, sociology has tended to stress issues related to production and consequently to downplay the study of consumption. This unit proposes to redress the balance, and to treat seriously a topic that is becoming of increasing importance in post-industrial societies. With an ever greater number of goods and services available, more and more opportunities are available for consumers to create social versions of who they are. Students explore topics such as theories of consumer society, objects, shops and shopping, advertising, the home, food and drink, tourism, the body, clothing and fashion.