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Consumers Imperium: Unraveling the Global Production of American Domesticity, 1865-1920

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Immerse yourself in "Consumers Imperium," a captivating historical exploration that unveils the intricate global tapestry underpinning the rise of domesticity in America.

: The Birth of Modern Domesticity

The mid-19th century witnessed the birth of a new era in American society marked by a surge in urbanization and industrialization. This transformative period gave rise to a distinct concept of domesticity, emphasizing the sanctity of the home and the separation of public and private spheres.

Consumers' Imperium: The Global Production of American Domesticity, 1865-1920

by Kristin L. Hoganson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11162 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	416 pages

Scholars have long attributed this shift to internal factors, such as the growth of the middle class and the rise of Victorian morality. However, "Consumers Imperium" challenges this traditional narrative, demonstrating that the emergence of modern domesticity was deeply intertwined with global forces.

Chapter 1: The Global Marketplace and the Importation of "Domestic Bliss"

A Bustling Global Marketplace With Vendors And Shoppers From Diverse Cultures. Consumers Imperium: The Global Production Of American Domesticity 1865 1920

The rapid expansion of international trade during the Gilded Age brought a deluge of goods from around the world to American shores. From ornate textiles to exquisite furniture, these imported products played a pivotal role in shaping American consumer culture and domestic environments.

Through meticulous research, the author uncovers the complex supply chains that connected American consumers to factories and workshops across the globe. The book illuminates the role of colonial expansion, international exhibitions, and prominent merchants in facilitating the flow of goods and transforming American homes.

Chapter 2: Labor and Consumption: The Hidden Costs Behind Domesticity

A Group Of Women Working In A Factory, Their Faces Etched With Exhaustion. Consumers Imperium: The Global Production Of American Domesticity 1865 1920 — The Hidden Costs Behind Domesticity: Labor and Consumption

"Consumers Imperium" ventures beyond the glossy surface of domesticity to examine the hidden costs embedded within the production and consumption of its material trappings. The book explores the precarious conditions faced by workers in factories and plantations, both in the United States and abroad.

By drawing parallels between the exploitation of labor in domestic spaces and the exploitation of workers in global production networks, the author exposes the systemic inequalities that sustained the "cult of domesticity." This chapter challenges the romanticized notion of domesticity and sheds light on the social justice implications of consumerism.

Chapter 3: Cultural Encounters and the Construction of Home

A Family Gathered Around A Table, Adorned With Objects From Different Cultures. Consumers Imperium: The Global Production Of American Domesticity 1865 1920

The global flow of goods not only influenced the material aspects of American homes but also impacted their cultural and spiritual dimensions. "Consumers Imperium" examines how imported objects became vessels of cultural exchange and shaped notions of home and family.

The book explores the adoption of Eastern religions and philosophies into American domestic spaces, demonstrating how the search for domestic bliss extended beyond the boundaries of Western culture. It argues that the cosmopolitanism of American domesticity was a product of global interactions and cultural borrowing.

Chapter 4: The Rise of Advertising and the Creation of Consumer Demand

A Colorful Magazine Advertisement Featuring A Beautiful Woman Surrounded By Domestic Products. Consumers Imperium: The Global Production Of American Domesticity 1865 1920 — The Rise of Advertising and the Creation of Consumer Demand

The late 19th century witnessed the emergence of mass-circulation magazines and newspapers, which became powerful tools for shaping consumer desires. "Consumers Imperium" analyzes the rise of advertising and its impact on the creation of domestic consumer culture.

The book reveals how advertisers exploited cultural norms, gender roles, and aspirations to persuade Americans to Free Download new products and services. It examines the psychological and social factors that drove the growth of consumption and its centrality to American identity.

Chapter 5: The Environmental Impact of Domesticity

A Polluted Cityscape, With Factories And Smoke Billowing Into The Air. Consumers Imperium: The Global Production Of American Domesticity 1865 1920

"Consumers Imperium" concludes by exploring the environmental consequences of the global production and consumption of domestic goods. The book traces the ecological footprints of imported products, from the deforestation of forests to the pollution of waterways.

By connecting the material trappings of domesticity to their broader environmental implications, the author challenges the notion of domesticity as a purely private sphere. It highlights the interconnectedness of our consumption habits with the health and well-being of the planet.

: The Enduring Legacy of Consumers Imperium

"Consumers Imperium" is a seminal work that recasts our understanding of domesticity in American history. By situating the rise of domesticity within a global context, the book sheds new light on the complex interplay between production, consumption, and social transformation.

The author's groundbreaking research offers a compelling narrative that will be of great interest to scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of American culture, consumerism, and globalization. "Consumers Imperium" is destined to become a classic in the field, inspiring new perspectives on the enduring legacy of domesticity in American society.

Consumers' Imperium: The Global Production of American Domesticity, 1865-1920

by Kristin L. Hoganson

4.3 out of 5