Trialogue: Theoretical approaches to the sociology of consumption

Abstract

This article makes three theoretical approaches to the sociology of consumption, from the apocalyptic perspective (consumption as a social construction by the offer), which included authors such as Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen and Jean Baudrillard, from the perspective amphibological (consumption seen as "the charm of a disenchanted world"), supported by authors such as George Simmel, Max Weber, Walter Benjamin, and apologetic perspective (consumption from the perspective of those who prefer "Breakfast at Tiffany's") defended by authors such as Herbert Spencer, Mary Douglas or George Bataille, among others. Hence the title of this work begins with the word "trialogue", which means three logos, but logos conversation via the three great ways to encrypt the sociology of consumption. Each has its pros and cons, so questioned and contrasting, that is, making conversation, the more likely they are complementary lines to compensate for specific deficits, at the same time encourage their best achievement. For if the sociology of consumption intended to be an autonomous field of knowledge and practice, more than a mere comment alternative to the limitations and failures of economic theory to use, requires a robust theorizing that incorporates a real trialogue between the three major perspectives.