The hedonic delights of frugality: Pound store shopping in austere times

Hulme, A. (2019) The hedonic delights of frugality: Pound store shopping in austere times. Journal of Consumer Culture. 19(4), 551–566. 1469-5405.

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Hulme_Alison_JCC_2019_The_hedonic_delights_of_frugality_Pound_store_shopping_in_austere_times.pdf - Accepted Version

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Abstract:

This article explores the attitudes of pound store shoppers in the United Kingdom and the ways in which ‘consumptive thrift’ (spending to save) has become embedded in popular culture. Through an analysis of ethnography carried out in low-income urban areas with regular pound store shoppers, it argues that a culture of bargain seeking exists, which is unique to the current era. While in previous eras hedonic pleasures were acknowledged, including those of spontaneity and disposability, they were not dialectically linked to economic motivations in the same way as they now are. Factors such as frugality and ‘saving’ have made bargain stores a crucial feature in an economic climate that requires consumer spending but preaches individual economic responsibility. The bargain seeker’s hedonic pleasures are therefore utilized by the State as part of strategic economic pathways through straightened times.

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Frugality, austerity, bargains, hedonic, pound stores, thrift

Creators:

Hulme, A.

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

Faculties > Faculty of Business & Law > Economics, Intl Relations & Development
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > China and Emerging Economies Centre
Research Centres > China and Emerging Economies Centre

Date:

1 November 2019

Date Type:

Publication

Page Range:

551–566

Journal or Publication Title:

Journal of Consumer Culture

Volume:

Number:

Number of Pages:

Language:

English

DOI:

10.1177/1469540519872068

ISSN:

1469-5405

Status:

Published / Disseminated

Refereed:

Yes

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