The Objects of Modernity: an Investigation of Material Culture and Mass Consumption

Abstract: This thesis examines the impact of the objects that surrounds us and the practices of consumption in which we engage on the cultural constructions we live and vice versa taking its point of departure in an examination of the objects and consumption practices that have been used in the definition of the construct of modernity in various cultures. Theoretically it develops a framework based on speech act theory and ritual studies, which is then applied to a range of case studies coming from all over the world. It then builds this into an argument for attributing increased importance to the material world and material culture, when doing anthropology.