This book offers keen insight and useful lessons underscoring the value of practice to theory. Conceived by two anthropologists who lead consulting practices, McCabe and Briody selected contributors to explore how cultural change happens in a variety of consumer and organizational contexts. The 12 case studies illustrate the explanatory potential and the problem-solving strengths of assemblage theory, and the role of human agency in provoking cultural change. The case studies are compelling due to connections between the case narratives and graphics, and researcher engagement in the pragmatics of implementation—both of which shape and encourage learning. This volume will be markedly useful to practitioners engaged in research and implementation. It will also appeal to students and faculty in a variety of fields including anthropology, business management, marketing, sociology, cultural studies, and industrial design.

Contributions by: Jo Aiken, Russell Belk, Arundhati Bhattacharyya, Elizabeth K. Briody, Henry D. Delcore, Dominique Desjeux, Emilie Hitch, Ma Jingjing, Maryann McCabe, Christine Miller, U. Ejiro O. Onomake, Kevin M. Newton, Angela Ramer, Marijke Rijsberman, Patricia Wall, Jennifer Watts-Englert, Margaret H. Szymanski, Shane Pahl