Nostalgia, symbolic anticonsumption and well-being: urban agriculture

Abstract

The establishment of a global consumption culture had as a consequence a growing concern with the impact of consumption practices on the environment, as well as on the general and personal well-being. In this context emerges the urban agriculture (UA) associated to environmental, social and health benefits (SLATER, 2001). The objective of this study is to understand the meaning of the UA phenomenon as a consumption practice, identifying which theories are related to it. In order to reach that goal, a qualitative research used as data collection in-depth interviews. The subjects were experts and practitioners in UA living in 9 neighborhoods in urban areas of a Brazilian city with a population bigger than 1 million inhabitants. Results showed double motivation for the UA practice, extrinsic (example) and intrinsic (well-being), linking the UA to environmental concerns, to health and well-being, and the respect and pride for a nostalgic cultural heritage.