Consumption has emerged as both an analyzer and as a catalyst of our time. Power, control, resistance, standardization, solidarity, freedom, ethics are some of the main themes that nurture reflections about consumption today. Through them, we understand that the current problem revolves around the consumer and the consumer's redefinition by and through consumption. But it seems that we are also embarrassed when it comes to agree on a diagnosis of the present time. While some postulate that the consumer has been empowered, others portend his subjugation to consumption. Torn up between such representations, the question of what we have become remains intact. This issue is of major interest insofar it implies to know what we do not want for the future. Yet, this question appears to be almost exclusively entrusted to secular, political and media expertise. Researchers closely or loosely interested in consumption, therefore, cannot ignore the importance of their role in this diagnosis because in Foucault’s words, this role views “thinking as critical activity.” More precisely, as Foucault puts it, “criticism will be the art of voluntary unservitude, of reflective disobedience”.
The conference “Thinking Critically” is grounded in the idea that the broad issue of shaping the consumer by and through consumption can greatly benefit from Michel Foucault’s work. Several non-exhaustive reasons lead us to this assumption. Not only is the philosopher the most cited author in the world, but he is also the one who opened many paths of reflection on the “present” and what is “to come.” Then, respective to his own work, not only does he mobilize a philosophical approach, but also the posture of an historian, economist, anthropologist, sociologist, psychologist, even manager, etc., all these approaches being compatible at the same time. And perhaps most important, in the same way as its philosophy that inspired this project, we will not try to legitimize what we already know about consumption, but rather to undertake, and to reflect upon how far it would be possible to think about consumption and to practice differently. As such, this call for a new reflection on consumption wants to be the locus where consumption will be put into perspective, with the aim to trigger conversations and changes.
Deliberately, we have not predefined the themes that may be submitted for the con- ference. Simply, we suggest that submissions may propose a (re)reading of consumption through Foucault’s lens, likely to open, expand or move the current de- bate. Theoretically-oriented propositions are therefore particularly welcome whate- ver the disciplinary approach – economics and management, human and social sciences – may be. Following the conference that will take place on March 31, 2016 at University of Reims, the best communications will be selected and published in a collective book.
The conference “Thinking Critically” is grounded in the idea that the broad issue of shaping the consumer by and through consumption can greatly benefit from Michel Foucault’s work. Several non-exhaustive reasons lead us to this assumption. Not only is the philosopher the most cited author in the world, but he is also the one who opened many paths of reflection on the “present” and what is “to come.” Then, respective to his own work, not only does he mobilize a philosophical approach, but also the posture of an historian, economist, anthropologist, sociologist, psychologist, even manager, etc., all these approaches being compatible at the same time. And perhaps most important, in the same way as its philosophy that inspired this project, we will not try to legitimize what we already know about consumption, but rather to undertake, and to reflect upon how far it would be possible to think about consumption and to practice differently. As such, this call for a new reflection on consumption wants to be the locus where consumption will be put into perspective, with the aim to trigger conversations and changes.
Deliberately, we have not predefined the themes that may be submitted for the con- ference. Simply, we suggest that submissions may propose a (re)reading of consumption through Foucault’s lens, likely to open, expand or move the current de- bate. Theoretically-oriented propositions are therefore particularly welcome whate- ver the disciplinary approach – economics and management, human and social sciences – may be. Following the conference that will take place on March 31, 2016 at University of Reims, the best communications will be selected and published in a collective book.
MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Authors wishing to attend the conference should send a 5-page contribution (including tables, figures and notes, excluding bibliography). The papers must be original work written in French or English.
The article includes a main title. Everything must be 1.5 line spaced, 12-point Times Roman font except for footnotes (Times New Roman 10) and the title (Times New Roman 14 centred bold). Headings contain one level only and will be capitalized; add a return before and after heading. Add a return between paragraphs. The text does not include words or sentences in bold or italics. Use italics only for book or journal titles, words in foreign language or Latin. Inverted commas " " should be used for any quote. Use abbreviations very sparingly if at all (eg 150 BC. AD; Ibid.; Op.cit.; [sic.]; p.12; Fig. 3; etc.). More than one online quote will be separated from the main text by a return and form a paragraph with inverted commas followed by the reference. Footnotes will be located at the bottom of the page and not at the end of the paper. Footnotes are used for additional comments or clarification only. Page 1: The title will be followed by the authors’ first name, surname(s) and institutional affiliation. Main text begins on page 2. |
REFERENCESReferences should follow the text, and not appear in footnotes. They must be presented as follows (Foucault 1975) or (Foucault 1975, 13). For more than two au- thors, use (Fouacault et al. 2001).
Articles.
Authors’ name Surname (Year) Article. Journal title, volume (issue), pp. 12- 34. Books. Authors’ name Surname (Year) Title. City, Publisher. Books written by several authors. Authors’ name Surname, Authors’ name Surname and Authors’ name Surname (Year) Book. City, Publisher. Chapter in books. Authors’ name Surname (Year) Chapter. In book. City, Publisher. pp. 12-34. Communications. Authors’ name Surname (Year) Communication. Name of the conference. City, March 31, 2016. |
DEADLINESFebruary 15, 2016. Submission of proposals.
February 28, 2016. Notification of acceptance. March 31, 2016. Conference at the University of Reims. Contributions are emailed to members of the editorial committee. |