Decolonising consumption, the hegemony of consumer culture and the politics of consumption: an interview with Roberta Sassatelli

Consumption and Society Editors Stefan Wahlen and Dan Welch sat down with Prof. Roberta Sassatelli to explore key themes in contemporary consumption studies, including consumer culture, the politics of consumption, authenticity, the sharing economy, and the relationships between food, the body, and everyday practices. The conversation traces a rich trajectory—from a critical appreciation of the historical role of international commerce and the colonial roots of consumer capitalism, to the embodied and political dimensions of consumption, and onward to questions of alternative consumption and normativity. The interview ultimately highlights the value of dialogue across perspectives, underscoring how an interdisciplinary approach remains essential for deepening our understanding of consumption in all its political nuances and cultural complexity.