Contemporary Consumption Rituals: Research Anthology, A

Description: Bringing together scholars in consumer behaviour, history, anthropology, religious studies, sociology, and communication, this anthology spans the topic of ritual studies. It offers a multifaceted exploration of new rituals, such as Celebrating Kwanzaa and of the ways entrenched rituals, such as Mardi Gras, gift giving, and weddings have changed. Moreover, it examines the influence of both cultures and subcultures, and aims to help the understanding of how and why consumers imbue goods and services with meaning during rituals. A religious studies scholar talks about the media representation of ritual, communication scholars discuss the transformational aspects of rituals surrounding alcohol consumption, and a marketing scholar shows the relevance of organizational behaviour theory to understanding gift-giving rituals in the workplace. Table of Contents: Part I Introduction. Part II Consumer Rituals And The Media: Drinking Rituals Among The Heaviest Drinkers - College Student Binge Drinkers And Alcoholics, J. Wohlburg And D. Treise; Consuming Ritual - A&E's 'Sacred Rites And Rituals', R. Grimes. Part III Holidays And Consumption: Ceremonial Disrobement And Moral Choice - Consumption Rituals At Mardi Gras, W. Shrum Jr; Kwanzaa - The Making Of A Black Nationalist Tradition, 1966-1990, E. Pleck; The Evolution, Transformation And Demise Of A Ritual - The Case Of May Day, M. Mcgrath; Consumer Fairy Tales Of The Perfect Christmas - Villains And Other Dramatis Personae, T. Lowrey And C. Otnes. Part IV Wedding Rituals Across Cultures: Love Without Borders - An Examination Of Cross-Cultural Wedding Rituals, M. Nelson And S. Deshpande; Dowry - A Cherished Possession Or An Old-Fashioned Tradition In A Modernizing Society? O. Sandicki And B. Ilhan. Part V Gift Exchanges: Gift-Exchange Rituals In The Workplace - A Social Roles Interpretation, J. Ruth (Part Contents).