October 7-9, 2010
Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Deadline: June 5, 2010

The aim of the international conference is to discuss key issues and themes of consumer culture as a complex and controversial phenomenon. The thematic framework of the conference will include not only the inquiry of the symbolic dimension of consumer culture, its aesthetic aspects and its impact on individual lifestyles, but also the broader social context of production and reception of consumer culture and its social, economic and environmental consequences. The conference program will consist of five main topics: aesthetics of consumer culture, critique of consumer culture, consumption and social distinction, research in consumer behaviour, culture and marketing communication, and associated program: poster session, film projection, workshop led by experts in marketing and consumer behaviour research. Each topic will be introduced by an invited guest speaker: Prof. Wolfgang Ullrich (Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design), Prof. Rainer Gries (University of Vienna), Jaroslav Cír (Unilever) and others.

Papers from broad areas of interest are welcomed (sociology, philosophy, psychology, cultural anthropology, ecology, cultural studies, media studies, art history, aesthetics, communication studies, etc.) as well as listeners from the business world who are involved in the production, innovation or research of consumer culture, students and others who are interested in these issues and want to share their thoughts and insights.

Invited are short CVs and abstracts up to 300 words on relevant topic (in English). Speakers will receive 30 minutes for presentation. Selected papers will be published in the conference proceedings. Confirmation of submission of the paper to the program will be sent by the end of June to all accepted participants. Please send abstracts to or by June 5 th 2010. For more information please visit the conference website: http://oltk.upol.cz/consumerculture