OAFP 5200 - Consumerism and Politics

This course explores the paradigm shift from conventional political engagement to decentralised consumer-oriented actions – also known as consumerist activism – in the contemporary context of political activism. It investigates the underlying factors of this change by applying a multidisciplinary approach and analysing recent case studies. It also looks at how party identification and citizen participation have been influenced by the consumer-centric branding paradigms.

The course aims to equip aspiring civic leaders with a thorough understanding of the societal impact of "political brands" and the evolving dynamics of online activism. The course will thereby investigate the relationship between consumerism, politics, and societal change by concentrating on current instances of hashtag activism (e.g. “Blockout 2024”), as well as the emergence of online political entrepreneurs, the intellectual dark web, and the rise of digital political parties.

By critically examining the motivations and implications of political consumerism, students will gain insight into its potential as a mode of political expression alongside traditional forms of participation like voting. Altogether, the course offers a nuanced understanding of consumer activism and its implications for the future of democracy, governance, and societal organisation.

Nicolas BAYGERT

Enseignement électif

English

In order to prepare each session, students will consult the (potentially evolving) reading list provided by the teacher. It is imperative to assimilate the readings corresponding to the session of the day before the beginning of the course.

None

Autumn 2024-2025

The final grade will rest on three components:
- Critical reading (20%): Students, either individually or in groups, will present an oral synthesis of chosen readings from the annually updated reading list. These readings comprise scientific articles and book chapters. These readings will be in line with the topics covered in each session. Presentations will be scheduled throughout the semester to ensure consistent engagement with the material.
- Individual presentation (40%): Each student will present a case study that illustrates a concept covered in the course. Topics must be validated by the instructor beforehand. Presentations will take place at the beginning of each session, allowing for class discussions and feedback.
- Essay (40%): Students will submit a written assignment of approximately 2500 words. This essay will discuss the individual case study presented in class, incorporating feedback and suggestions from the oral presentation. The essay is due by Monday December 9, 2024.
Students will have access to an interactive calendar to efficiently plan their contributions.

Students will acquire key concepts through critical discussions of recent academic papers across various academic fields. The theoretical and strategic aspects of each session will be addressed with a focus on contemporary examples. Key concepts include: Consumerist Activism: Understanding the dynamics of consumer-driven political actions and their impact on traditional political participation. Political Consumerism: Examining how consumer choices reflect political, ethical, and social considerations. Brand Activism: Analysing how brands engage in political discourse and influence public opinion. Digital Political Engagement: Investigating how online platforms facilitate new forms of political participation and organisation. Hashtag Activism: Exploring the role of social media movements in shaping political and social narratives. Methodologies include: Multidisciplinary Research: Integrating insights from multiple disciplines to provide a comprehensive analysis of consumer activism. Case Study Analysis: Presenting and discussing case studies to illustrate key concepts and encourage practical understanding. Comparative Analysis: Comparing different forms of political consumerism across cultures and contexts to identify commonalities and differences. Interactive Learning: Engaging with peers through presentations and discussions to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The course will equip students with a range of skills essential for engaging with political consumerism: Critical Thinking: Enhancing the ability to evaluate and critique complex concepts and arguments related to consumer activism. Research Proficiency: Developing skills in conducting thorough and methodologically sound research, including literature review, data collection, and analysis. Presentation and Communication: Improving oral and written communication skills through individual and group presentations, as well as essay writing.