Consumption and concepts of the consumer sit at the centre of numerous current debates - academic, political and environmental. This highly readable and stimulating book, a tour-de-force in the breadth of its coverage and analysis, shows how different traditions (discourses) have constructed different representations of the consumer. Each of these has its own coherence but rarely addresses alternative positions. A key concern of the authors is to identify, disentangle and juxtapose approaches to contemporary consumption which are seldom found in a single text. The Unmanageable Consumer will be essential reading for all those interested in the processes and dilemmas of contemporary consumption, including students and professionals in marketing, organization theory, management studies, psychology, sociology, cultural studies and consumer studies.