Lyn J Thomas - University of Sussex (original) (raw)
Address: Falmer. Brighton, Sussex
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Papers by Lyn J Thomas
ALTERNATIVE REALITIES
Cultural Studies, 2008
ABSTRACT This article will examine representations in contemporary British lifestyle television w... more ABSTRACT This article will examine representations in contemporary British lifestyle television which express ambivalence about the benefits of a work-dominated, consumerist mode of living, and where a quest for alternative pleasures or practices drives the narrative. Rather than focusing on clearly contestatory voices and practices, such as environmental and anti-capitalist campaigns, groups or internet sites, I am looking at 'mainstream' media texts driven by commercial imperatives. My purpose here is to argue that ambivalent consumerism can be seen as a cultural continuum, a set of discursive networks which function across a range of differentiated sites, and are not confined to alternative or marginal contexts. The article explores the nature of these commercially produced and determined representations. How are narratives of 'downsizing' and 'downshifting', of escaping abroad or to the country, to a better 'quality of life' constructed in contemporary television? What is the significance of 'eco-reality' programmes where excessive consumption of the earth's resources is directly addressed? And finally: does a phenomenon which clearly implies the construction of a new niche market have any broader political significance and potential?
globalization
Feminist Review, 2002
interview with Naomi Klein
Feminist Review, 2002
Born in Montreal in 1970, Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and author of the internatio... more Born in Montreal in 1970, Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and author of the international best-selling book, No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies. Translated into 16 languages, No Logo was described by The New york Times as'a movement bible.'The ...
ALTERNATIVE REALITIES
Cultural Studies, 2008
ABSTRACT This article will examine representations in contemporary British lifestyle television w... more ABSTRACT This article will examine representations in contemporary British lifestyle television which express ambivalence about the benefits of a work-dominated, consumerist mode of living, and where a quest for alternative pleasures or practices drives the narrative. Rather than focusing on clearly contestatory voices and practices, such as environmental and anti-capitalist campaigns, groups or internet sites, I am looking at 'mainstream' media texts driven by commercial imperatives. My purpose here is to argue that ambivalent consumerism can be seen as a cultural continuum, a set of discursive networks which function across a range of differentiated sites, and are not confined to alternative or marginal contexts. The article explores the nature of these commercially produced and determined representations. How are narratives of 'downsizing' and 'downshifting', of escaping abroad or to the country, to a better 'quality of life' constructed in contemporary television? What is the significance of 'eco-reality' programmes where excessive consumption of the earth's resources is directly addressed? And finally: does a phenomenon which clearly implies the construction of a new niche market have any broader political significance and potential?
globalization
Feminist Review, 2002
interview with Naomi Klein
Feminist Review, 2002
Born in Montreal in 1970, Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and author of the internatio... more Born in Montreal in 1970, Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and author of the international best-selling book, No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies. Translated into 16 languages, No Logo was described by The New york Times as'a movement bible.'The ...