Consumer Culture Theory in Sweden

Shaping Connections Founder and Director, Associate Professor Bernardo Figueiredo explores how older adults are using technology on his recent study tour to Europe.

What an incredible week at Consumer Culture Theory (CCT) Conference in Lund, Sweden. Reconnecting with colleagues and friends from around the globe has been an absolute joy. With 317 attendees from 25 different countries, the conference has been a melting pot of ideas and experiences, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The week started with an intensive meeting of the newly elected board at the Consumer Culture Theory Consortium Inc, where I proudly represented the Asia Pacific region. We engaged in productive discussions for over three hours, deliberating on crucial matters for the community's growth and continuity.

One landmark decision was reducing fees for participants from the Global South, promoting inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices. This is just the beginning of our efforts toward building a more diverse and inclusive community.

Under the leadership of Hope Jensen Schau, we explored potential future hosts for the CCT Conference including RMIT University!

Having all three of my paper submissions accepted was an honor, and I'm grateful for the positive reception they received:

1. "Codesign to Empower," my first paper with RMIT co-authors and Shaping Connections colleagues Mike Reid, Torgeir Aleti (né Watne) and Diane Martin, explored transformative co-design work with older adults in the U3ANetwork Victoria, generating significant interest.

2. My second project delved into two topics close to my training: globalisation and ethnographies. In this theoretical exploration, I discussed innovative methodologies to advance global ethnographies in a post-global world. The insights shared during the presentation were enlightening and thought-provoking.

3. My third paper focused on a captivating project by my former PhD student, Phan Ngan, investigating the experiences of tourists in war sites in Vietnam. Although the paper's storyline requires refinement, the research itself is immensely valuable, and collective, collaborating with two outstanding co-authors Samuelson Appau and Michael Beverland

Lastly, I was thrilled to participate in an exceptional panel discussion on consumption injustices. We delved deep into issues of gender, migratory, spatial, environmental, race, and ethnic injustices, contemplating the necessary steps to address them.

Beyond the enriching academic program, the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and see their recovery and growth in the post-pandemic world has been the true highlight. These intellectual and social exchanges are crucial for professional development and remind us of the resilience and strength of our global community.

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