The book looks at the growth of consumerism in China from both a socio-economic and a political/cultural angle, i.e. changing trends in what (and how) things are consumed, and the impact this has on Chinese culture and society. Each chapter should centre on a specific example/phenomenon. Themes could include (but are certainly not limited to):

the growing popularity of previously disliked Western food-stuffs

the rural-urban divide in consumerism/changing trends

the increase in consumption of non-tangible goods and services - including cultural industry goods

the increasing consumption of foreign travel/the 'new' Chinese tourist

ways in which Chinese authorities are keen to maintain socialism/'Chinese characteristics' alongside encouraging domestic spending/a market system

specific examples of changing attitudes to consumerism in China

Please e-mail a 300-500 word abstract by the 8th February to alisonhulme@live.co.uk. If accepted, chapters will be due by the 31st of May 2013. Chapters should be 8,000 - 10,000 words and in Harvard format.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Alison Hulme (Editor)