Conceptual Trajectories in the Sociology of Consumption

Overview

The RN05 Winter School 2026, organised by the European Sociological Association’s Research Network on the Sociology of Consumption (RN05), explores consumption as deeply embedded in social, cultural, political, and economic structures, shaping and reflecting broader societal transformations. This winter school offers PhD students and early-career researchers an opportunity to critically engage with foundational and emerging theoretical frameworks in the sociology of consumption. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on workshops, participants will trace key conceptual trajectories, critically compare different theoretical approaches, and explore their application in empirical research. The program encompasses diverse areas, including sustainability, political consumption, food and eating, fashion, and technology, equipping participants with the analytical tools to refine their research agendas.

Objectives

• Mapping Conceptual Trajectories – Provide an overview of key theoretical traditions in the sociology of consumption and examine their evolution, adaptation, and contestation.
• Deepening Theoretical Engagement – Critically assess foundational and emerging concepts such as materiality, symbolic consumption, performativity, affordances, and socio-technical entanglements.
• Bridging Theory and Empirical Research – Explore how theories shape methodological choices and empirical studies in areas such as sustainability, political consumption, food, fashion, and technology.
• Comparing Conceptual Approaches – Discuss similarities, differences, and points of tension between major sociological traditions (e.g., cultural sociology, economic sociology, actor-network theory, practice theory).
• Advancing Research Agendas – Equip participants with the theoretical tools to develop their own research questions, refine conceptual frameworks, and position their work within broader scholarly debates.

Key Themes

• Theoretical Foundations
• Sustainability and Political Consumption
• Inequalities and Digital Divides
• Bodies, Fashion, and Technology
• Food, Eating, and Tourism
• Methodologies and Future Directions

Activities & Engagement

• Keynote Talks: Leading scholars present their latest research.
• Workshops: Training on methodologies (e.g., visual sociology, digital ethnography).
• Student Presentations & Feedback: Participants present their work-in-progress.
• Roundtable Discussions: Bringing together academics, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Field Visits (optional): Case studies on sustainable markets, urban consumption, etc.

Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of sociological approaches to consumption.
• Networking opportunities with scholars and peers.
• Potential for publication in a special issue or conference proceedings.
• Contribution to policy and societal debates on contested aspects of consumption.

Activities

Seminar Lectures

The Winter School features interactive seminar-style lectures designed to provide training, stimulate debate, and encourage critical discussions on pressing sustainability issues and real-world applications. Led by renowned scholars, these sessions will allow participants to engage with key theoretical and empirical debates. The School’s faculty includes members of the RN05 Steering Committee, along with distinguished national and international experts.

Workshops

• A series of hands-on workshops will equip participants with essential academic and professional skills. Topics include:
• Publication strategies
• Research skills within and beyond academia
• Research methods and design
• How to write a successful research project

These workshops will enhance participants’ ability to navigate academic careers, engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, and maximize the impact of their research.

Individual Consultations

Participants will have the opportunity to present and discuss their ongoing research projects in one-on-one sessions with faculty members. These personalized consultations will provide constructive feedback on research design, career development, and academic trajectory, ensuring tailored guidance for each participant.

Program

To be defined

How to participate?

Please submit your application by September 30th 2025 and include 

• one page summary of your research including: question / theory / findings
• one page CV

Academic coordinators

Professor Francesca Forno, Department of Sociology and Social Research, University of Trento
Professor Mikko Laamanen, Consumption Research Norway, Oslomet
Professor Stefan Wahlen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen