International Sociology, 25:673, 2010

The incorporation of consumer culture as a field in cultural studies is relatively new, and few studies have been undertaken in that field in developing countries. In this context, Johan Fischer’s work is certainly welcome as a significant and timely contribution.

The incorporation of consumer culture as a field in cultural studies is relatively new, and few studies have been undertaken in that field in developing countries. In this context, Johan Fischer’s work is certainly welcome as a significant and timely contribution.

The book remains an enriching and stimulating sociological endeavour, full of thoughtful reflections about class and status.

The empirical findings are not simply inspiring, they also open new horizons regarding the incredibly rapid social mobility of the new rich in Asia and the paradoxes they transpose in making the transition from Kampung to city life.