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.

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. The aim of the conference is to enable an exchange of knowledge between the academic and application spheres and to discuss this topic in public in order to prevent the “shadow science” as a consequence of the privatization of knowledge about consumer culture and society in the commercial sector.

Invited are short CVs and abstracts up to 300 words on relevant topic (in English). Abstracts for papers or poster session are welcomed. 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 consumerculture.cz@gmail.com by June 5th 2010.

For more information please visit the conference website at oltk.upol.cz.