Output details

Not moving things along: hoarding, clutter and other ambiguous matter

Context

The paper Not Moving Things Along; Hoarding, Clutter and Other Ambiguous Matter appeared in The Journal of Consumer Behaviour special issue Unpacking Disposal.

Process

This output is the result of research - theoretical and empirical, including participant observation - around the phenomenon of 'extreme' hoarding. It draws on philosophical, medical, cultural, psychological and sociological literature to argue for an understanding of hoarding, which is at odds with the common medical designation of this activity as a symptom of obsessive-compulsive behaviour. The article also considers other forms of 'ambiguous' matter such as clutter and fly-tipping.

Adopting a material culture perspective, the paper foregrounds the nature of much of the material that is hoarded and aligns hoarding with research that highlights other forms of semi-permanent storage.

Insight

The particular orientation of the research methodology was consonant with its publication ‘venue’, that is, a special themed issue of the Journal of Consumer Behaviour, the theme being that of Unpacking Disposal. However, where most of the contributions focused on the role of disposition in consumption, Maycroft’s article shows that such an orientation runs the risk of consolidating an academic orthodoxy which may become ‘blind’ to social practices which do not fit the dominant model. Engaging with those who are ‘not moving things along’ may be as significant as considering those who are ‘moving things along’ for a rounded understanding of consumption practices.

Sharing

Maycroft’s paper 'Not Moving Things Along; Hoarding, Clutter and Other Ambiguous Matter', appeared in The Journal of Consumer Behaviour special issue 'Unpacking Disposal', Volume 8, Issue 6 (2009)