March 2025 Social Theory Book Club

Welcome to the March 2025 Social Theory Book Club!

Come join us for an engaging discussion on:

Consumed: On Colonialism, Climate Change, Consumerism, and the Need for Collective Change by Aja Barber

Consumed is a book by Aja Barber, whose work deals with the intersections of sustainability and the fashion landscape. The book explores the fashion and textile industry, and how they are foundationed in slavery, racism and modern wealth inequality.

The book exposes the endemic injustices in our consumer industries and the uncomfortable history of oppressive systems and its lack of diversity and equality. Barber reveals how we spend our money and whose pockets it goes into, and how she came to learn the truth. Consumed explores the truth behind why you consume the way you do and asks you to challenge this power disparity in consumerism.

Whether you're a skilled reader or just starting out, this is a space to delve into thought-provoking ideas and connect with others wanting to engage in political and social theory.

This meeting is in person, to nurture vibrant conversations and a dynamic exchange of ideas to foster a sense of community.

We encourage you to review what the text is saying as you work through the book on your own. Take notes on what you're unsure of, what you think the author is trying to say, and what you agree or disagree with.

Every person's understanding and input during the meeting will help shape the dialogue and create value out of our discussion. You will never be the only person who might be confused or who finds the text difficult. If you find the book too challenging and you do not finish, it is still encouraged that you come to the meeting . It's okay if you think you don't understand it, because you'll come to book club and learn as much as you can! If you have interest in the topic, you most likely have experiences or knowledge that would still be a welcomed addition to the conversation.

Additional readings:

The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves by J.B. MacKinnon

How To Break Up With Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo

Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas

Additional readings will be included for each month if people want to expand their understanding and knowledge on a particular topic. If possible, other types of media may be shared as well. None of the additional materials will be necessary to understand the discussion at the book club meeting and are purely supplemental for members to further one's own knowledge on topics.

Mark your calendars and get ready for our March meeting for the Social Theory Book Club!

Host or Publisher Social Theory Book Club