Tobacco consumption in the home: impact on social relationships and marking territory

Hamilton, K.L. and Hassan, L.M. (2010) Tobacco consumption in the home: impact on social relationships and marking territory. Advances in Consumer Research, 37. pp. 319-325. ISSN 0098-9258

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Abstract

In this paper we move beyond viewing the home as a mere context for consumer decision-making to explore consumption practices and socio-spatial relationships within the home in relation to tobacco consumption. Based on focus groups conducted across ten European countries, our findings suggest that smokers view the home as a safe haven where they are sheltered from the outside regulatory environment. However, tension between smokers and nonsmokers demonstrates that consumption practices within the home may become a process of negotiation, resulting in smokers marking territory in efforts to avoid conflict.