Co-Value : Jurnal Ekonomi, Koperasi & Kewirausahaan
Vol. 15 No. 11 (2025): Co-Value: Jurnal Ekonomi, Koperasi & Kewirausahaan

Consumer Culture and the Reinforcement of Social Class Distinctions in Post-Industrial Suburbs of Bandung

Hardiyanto, Feri (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study investigates how suburban consumer culture in Bandung, Indonesia, reinforces social class distinctions, focusing on the interaction between material, symbolic, and infrastructural factors. With rapid urbanization and the rise of consumption-oriented middle classes, post-industrial suburban spaces have become key arenas for class performance. Using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, data were collected from 400 residents of the Bandung Metropolitan Area (BMA). The research findings reveal that curated retail environments, such as lifestyle townships and regional malls, foster social class differentiation through access and affordability barriers, symbolically reinforcing middle- and upper-class exclusivity. Furthermore, the integration of digital platforms amplifies these distinctions, extending class signals into online spaces. The study underscores the importance of urban planning that incorporates social-mix impact assessments, affordable product lines, and inclusive community-based programming to mitigate exclusionary practices in suburban retail environments. The findings contribute to urban sociology by linking consumer spaces with class reproduction, offering practical insights for policymakers to address inequality in suburban areas.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

covalue

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Co-Value : Jurnal Ekonomi, Koperasi & Kewirausahaan [p-ISSN 2086-3306 | e-ISSN 2809-8862] merupakan jurnal ilmiah berbentuk penelitian dan dapat diakses secara terbuka. Jurnal ini diterbitkan tiga kali dalam setahun oleh Program Studi Manajemen Institut Manajemen Koperasi Indonesia ...