‘It's more than a shopping trip’: leisure and consumption in a farmers' market

Abstract

Leisure time, leisure activities and leisure spaces largely surround matters of consumption. However, the role consumption plays in the reproduction and performance of community is a necessarily contested topic among leisure scholars. Using in-depth interviews, the purpose of this research was to examine an urban farmers' market as an everyday place of consumption, and its role in building a sense of community. Results suggest that there are new ways of understanding leisure and community as they relate to consumption. Rather than considering consumption practices as simple exchange with little or no emotional sentiment attached, this research suggests consumption practices have the potential to develop and create community as well as incorporate consumer values, ideals, ethics and sentiments.