Prosumption and conviviality: the creativity between crisis and utopia

Studies highlighting the need for radical change in economic models and diffused collaborative practices that seem to have already undermined those models from the bottom have made sociology resume categories that were first born during last century’s season of global protest. However, many skeptically name utopia when market logics are denied in favour of conviviality and sharing, and one self-produces or barters instead of purchasing. The relevance of those creative practices is often minimized as they be only contingent reactions to an economic crisis that secludes youth from the labour market. This article addresses the contemporary features of prosumption and conviviality, to show their elements of novelty with the help of findings recently collected through qualitative interviews and case studies. From farming to design and fashion, from cohousing to coworking and crowdfunding, a series of activities, supported by the new web 2.0 facilities, are transforming utopia in experience and project, by promoting a vaste range of networking cultures, environmental awareness, and creative political participation.