Nicoletta Diasio

Consommation

Introduction

Consommation. Découvrez les problématiques clés de l'anthropologie de la consommation, de ses origines sociologiques aux débats actuels sur la culture, l'éthique et l'environnement.

Abstract

Le texte présente les principales problématiques abordées par l'anthropologie de la consommation. Après avoir cité quelques précurseurs, venant notamment de la sociologie de la première moitié du 20ème siècle, l'article s'arrête sur la spécificité des apports des anthropologues à partir des années 1970 notamment dans l'étude de la consommation comme opération cognitive pour donner forme à la culture, dans l'analyse des modes d'appropriation d'objets, de la tension entre uniformisation et patrimonialisation, mondialisation et usages situés, dans la définition de la marchandise et les modes de sa certification, dans la place du corps dans les usages des biens marchands. Nous rappelons également les évolutions récentes des débats sur la consommation en lien avec les nouvelles préoccupations environnementales, les crises économiques, l'appel à la décroissance et à la consommation éthique ou engagée.

Review

The article, succinctly titled "Consommation," offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the core theoretical problems and contributions within the anthropology of consumption. It judiciously traces the intellectual lineage of the field, acknowledging its early sociological precursors from the first half of the 20th century, before primarily focusing on the unique and specific contributions that anthropologists have brought to this area of study since the 1970s. This historical framing sets a strong foundation for understanding the distinctive lens through which anthropology examines consumption. The abstract outlines an impressive scope of anthropological inquiry, promising a detailed exploration of consumption not merely as an economic act, but as a cognitive operation fundamental to the shaping of culture. Key themes include the nuanced analysis of how objects are appropriated, the dynamic tension between processes of uniformization and patrimonialization, and the interplay between globalizing forces and situated consumption practices. Furthermore, the article delves into critical aspects such as the definition and certification of merchandise, and the often-overlooked but crucial role of the body in the usage of commercial goods, highlighting the multifaceted nature of consumption in daily life. Crucially, the article demonstrates its contemporary relevance by integrating recent developments and pressing debates surrounding consumption. It addresses the rising prominence of environmental concerns, the impact of economic crises, and the growing discourse around degrowth, ethical, and engaged consumption. This forward-looking perspective, combined with its robust historical and thematic survey, positions "Consommation" as an invaluable resource for both established scholars and newcomers seeking to grasp the foundational anthropological perspectives on consumption and its evolving challenges in our current global context.

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