Marketing

A Sociological Approach

Kevin Mellet, Andrew Brown

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Hardback

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English

Polity Press
28 March 2025

Sociology; Sales & marketing

Marketing involves a wide range of professions, activities and tools and it plays an increasingly important role in our lives. But what exactly is marketing and how did it come to assume such importance? Who are the marketing professionals, what exactly do they do and what influence do they have in our economy and society?

Over the last forty years, sociologists have studied marketing and analysed its practices, techniques and consequences, producing a formidable body of knowledge about the nature of marketing and its impact. This book provides a concise account of these contributions and an introduction to the most important sociological concepts for understanding marketing such as consumption, the market, the organization and culture. Mellet presents marketing not just as a set of techniques but as a pervasive social activity performed by different actors in specific contexts according to particular rules and views. He unpacks the activity of marketing, showing who marketers are, how they think, what they do and how they shape and construct not only markets but also the world we live in.

Written in a clear and accessible style, this book is the perfect introduction to marketing from a sociological perspective and it will be used on courses on marketing and the sociology of culture.

By: Kevin Mellet
Translated by: Andrew Brown
Imprint: Polity Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 218mm, Width: 145mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 295g
ISBN: 9781509565689
ISBN 10: 150956568X
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 28 March 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction Chapter 1. Which sociology, for which marketing? The impossible sociology of a professional group Marketing as cultural and behavioural engineering Producing markets Business and marketing management Chapter 2. The consumer as seen by the marketer Marketing and sociology: a common history Consumer surveys Consumer profiles Chapter 3. Empire of signs The work of qualities The circulation of qualities Qualities versus qualities Chapter 4. Markets as organizations Organizing market spaces Managing customers Reorganizing the market so as to innovate Chapter 5. Morality and marketing Between morality and the market Marketing as a political instrument Marketing in a different way? Conclusion Marketing as a collective reality Marketing as an institution of capitalism Notes Index

Kevin Mellet is Associate Professor of Sociology at Sciences Po, Paris.

Reviews for Marketing: A Sociological Approach

""Kevin Mellet is one of a handful of pioneers globally of sociological research on marketing, and understands the field’s practicalities in impressive depth. His succinct, insightful, nuanced book is essential reading for both sociologists and marketers themselves."" Donald Mackenzie, University of Edinburgh ""A masterful exploration of marketing’s hidden power to shape society, blending economic strategy with cultural influence. A thought-provoking look at how marketing connects with our values and lives—compelling reading for anyone seeking to understand its true impact."" Morteza Abolhasani, Open University