About this Centre

Directed by Professor James Cronin and Dr Hayley Cocker, the Centre for Consumption Insights (CCI) builds on the research excellence and international, interdisciplinary networks of colleagues in the Department of Marketing. The CCI has expertise in all aspects of consumption studies, from consumer culture theory and the sociology of consumption, markets & marketing, through to experimental work in the domain of consumer psychology.

The CCI is heavily involved in scholarly activities on consumption-related issues linked to:

• health and consumer wellbeing; food cultures and diet;
• political economy;
• the socio-cultural shaping of consumer identities;
• celebrity branding and consumer-celebrity relationships;
• digital cultures, the internet, and online tribes;
• sustainability;
• waste and consumers’ disposal practices;
• the production and consumption of craft objects;
• consumer spirituality;
• consumer risk-taking behaviours;
• youth and consumption;
• consumer disadvantage; and
• health communications.

The CCI is home to a number of funded projects and grant activities. The Centre also collaborates with and carries out consultancy with a range of partners on diverse topics.

Whether you are a student, colleague, organisation, media group, or member of the public, the CCI is willing to connect with you on all topics and contexts related to consumers, consumption, and consumer culture. Please contact the CCI directors, Professor Cronin or Dr Cocker, for any questions or information on how to get involved.

Sustainable consumption research cluster

The Sustainable Consumption cluster of the CCI includes a critical mass of researchers investigating sustainable patterns of consumption and production. This specialist cluster centres on exploring and theorising greener forms of consumer behaviour, alternative ways of engaging with the market like sharing and renting in a circular economy, media representations of sustainability, and the empowerment and mobilisation of the public to achieve less resource-intensive ways of living and consuming. The cluster is actively involved in generating knowledge that can contribute to our theoretical understanding of consumption in the wider sustainability landscape as well as producing applicable insights. Working in collaboration with partners, organisations, government, other researchers and households, the goal of the Sustainable Consumption cluster of the CCI is to provide actionable guidance for policy, key supply chain stakeholders and consumers to drive towards cleaner, greener growth and more environmentally friendly lifestyles.

Vulnerable consumers research cluster

The Vulnerable Consumers cluster of the CCI focusses on how people who, as a result of personal situation, socio-demographic characteristics, or structural characteristics of the market environment, experience a higher risk of encountering negative outcomes in their exchange relationships with the market. The cluster considers the challenges faced by various segments of the consumer population when interacting with, integrating themselves into, and seeking to maximise their wellbeing through consumer culture. Working in collaboration with members of the public and partners, a key function of the Vulnerable Consumers cluster is to help society to better understand the multi-dimensional nature of consumer vulnerability and to provide guidance for policy and market actors in ensuring a more inclusive and supportive market environment.

Craft consumption research cluster

The Craft Consumption research cluster of the CCI is interested in the synergies between production, marketing and consumption of craft-related products. Craft is an important sector, globally worth $35bn in 2017, with the potential to grow to $50.9bnby 2024. In the UK craft contributes £3.4bn to the UK economy, employing almost 150,000 people. In 2013 UNESCO has noted the potential of craft and artisan skills to improve the economies of both developed and developing countries, finding craft and artisan production could highlight shared cultural heritage, encourage community cohesion, contribute to low-carbon economies, improve opportunities for marginalised groups and offer employment in a sector unlikely to be adversely affected by the 4th Industrial Revolution (robotisation, artificial intelligence, internet of things).