Consumed: How We Buy Class in Modern Britain

(Paperback)

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Does what we consume define who we are Harry Wallop takes a fresh look at society and shows you to your place in today's modern consumer world.
Are you an Asda Mum, Wood Burning Stover or Sun Skittler Do you know a Portland Privateer or Rockabilly And exactly who are the Hyphen-Leighs

Journalist Harry Wallop has spent a disproportionate amount of his working life chronicling the buying habits of the British people. Taking a sweep through the seismic changes that have happened in the UK since the end of food rationing in 1954, he argues that our social standing in today's society is no longer determined by the accent you speak with, the school you attended, or your parents. Rather, it is determined by the food we eat, our choice of holiday destination, the clothes we wear, the size of the TV we sit in front of, and whether you use a plug-in air freshener or a smelly candle.

He shows us how retailers and big business are making the most of how we fit into these new social categories, and offers up some intriguing insights into the state of Britain today.

Reviews

* * * * Wallop offers up a compelling premise in Consumed. This is a breezy, enjoyable book, backed up by arresting research.

Harry Wallop is one of the sharpest and funniest journalists writing in Britain today. He has an instinct for the killer detail that truly brings a story to life' Jay Rayner

An entertaining attempt to understand how we define ourselves through our consumer choices Achingly true Observer

A light-hearted look at our lifestyles past and present lots to enjoy here and very of the moment, Evening Standard

A breezy romp through the intricacies of our social structure Guardian

Author Bio

Harry Wallop is an award-winning journalist and feature writer at The Daily Telegraph. He also presents prime-time consumer programmes on Channel 4. Harry is married with four young children. This is his first book.