In this episode, hosts Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamsi welcome Dr. Octavio Murekian to discuss his fascinating research on inconspicuous or low-key consumption. Dr. Murekian explains the concept's origins and its evolution from conspicuous consumption, particularly in the context of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Driven by security concerns, upper middle-class Argentines adopt subtle luxury to avoid being targeted by criminals while still signaling their status. The discussion extends to how rising crime rates globally, including in London, might influence consumer behavior towards more inconspicuous consumption. Dr. Murekian also hints at future research directions, including exploring the psychological impacts of security products marketed as calm-inducing.

00:23 Welcome to the Podcast

00:35 Introducing Dr. Octavio Murekian

00:57 Understanding Inconspicuous Consumption

01:14 Historical Context and Evolution

03:36 Motivation Behind the Research

03:50 Fieldwork Insights from Argentina

04:56 Security Concerns and Consumption

07:57 Personal Experiences and Observations

09:13 Global Perspectives on Security and Consumption

11:00 Broader Implications and Market Response

20:39 Future Research Directions

21:43 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements