Books by Elizabeth Shove

A Clever, innovative book which makes an important contribution to social theory and social policy. An effective introduction it covers core themes and demonstrates exactly how our everyday life is defined by the rise, change and collapse of social practices.

How do common household items such as basic plastic house wares or high-tech digital cameras transform our daily lives? This title considers this question, from the design of products through to their use in the home. It looks at how everyday objects, ranging from screwdrivers to photo management software, are used on a practical level.

For many years, a uniform and uncontested picture of utility system organization has endured across Europe. This book examines the environmental restructuring of consumption and provision in energy, water and waste systems. It challenges contemporary conceptualizations of consumers as the autonomous drivers of environmental change.

Over the past few generations, expectations of comfort, cleanliness and convenience have altered. This book brings together the sociology of consumption and technology to investigate the evolution of these changes, as well the social meaning of the practices themselves.