New cultural contradictions in modern consumer societies: A political economy perspective using multi-level analysis

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Researchers have long been interested in promoting the social and economic arrangements for human welfare. As our societies become more complex, the challenges we face appear more profound forcing us to rethink our ideas about how we live our lives, our lifestyles and the impacts of our lifestyle choices on others around us.This international research project will investigate patterns of household consumption and social impacts within modern consumer societies like the UK. The research will examine and report on the distribution of living standards and conditions within and between countries. That some lives are characterised by a lack of resources - 'the poor' in consumer societies - while others have excessive lifestyles and consumption levels effecting the wellbeing of others (and future generations) due to emissions and the by-products of waste.In my research project, disparities within and between societies, and ethical and global justice issues, come to the fore. The recognition of the need to use our resources better and more fairly, in a new era of degrowth, connects with the changing discourse of sustainable social justice. The findings from this research will feed directly into policy deliberations inside and outside government, including discussion about household consumption, household green emissions and household energy consumption in modern consumer societies and the social impacts on living standards, and the environment. The project will also offer valuable lessons and advice for consumers on how best to reduce emissions and prepare for the effects of a changing climate. This research will help to raise public and government understanding and awareness of the impacts of consumption in modern consumer societies.