Retail therapy

Analyses of consumption are much like retail therapy. The notion of retail therapy suggests that shopping offers a solution to real problems. But, of course, looked at more closely, it becomes clear that retail therapy is anti-therapy: it is an avoidance technique, a distraction; it is not about the confrontation and resolution of problems. So it is with research that is focused on consumption, illuminating through they are, they are ultimately both limited and limiting.