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

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen invite Dr. Shreyashi Chakraborty to discuss her research on gender inequality in the Indian software industry. Dr. Chakraborty shares personal experiences and systemic issues leading to gender bias, including societal patriarchy, lack of anti-discrimination laws, and underrepresentation of women in senior management. The discussion also highlights shocking recent events, such as the tragic case of a female doctor in Calcutta, and the challenges faced by women in both formal and informal sectors. Dr. Chakraborty further explains her ongoing research initiatives targeting investor reactions to female representation in top management and the conditions of women in India's informal economy.

If you are interested in Dr. Chakraborty's work, please check her recent publications:

• Rationales of gender diversity management policies and practices in India: An exploratory empirical study in the Indian IT/ITeS Industry⁠https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/edi-04-2019-0124/full/html⁠
• How do markets react to women leader: An IPO Investigation⁠https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/13473#page=416⁠
• Safe and suitable yet unequal for women: understanding the inequalities in the hiring process in the Indian Software industry⁠https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/research-handbook-on-inequalities-and-work-9781800886599.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqEwmMKYMFS5DrDMDr7aM73OlwnwjamQjJkxJiX-HRxMAMS2WbJ⁠

00:38 Welcome to the Podcast

01:14 Guest Introduction and Research Background

03:28 Current Gender Inequality in Indian Software Industry

07:25 Shocking Incident in Calcutta

10:35 Challenges in Speaking Up

14:20 Recruitment and Selection Inequalities

20:13 Field Work Insights

21:44 Importance of Equal Representation

25:22 Diversity Management in India vs. Developed Economies

27:34 Ongoing Research and Future Directions

35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the 'In the Meantime' podcast, hosts Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen discuss with Dr. Wenjie Cai the concept of digital free travel. Dr. Cai explains the difference between digital detox and digital free travel, emphasising a balanced relationship with technology. The conversation covers Dr. Cai's research on digital-free travel, its impact on travellers, and the collaboration with the 'unplugged cabin' initiative. They also delve into the emotional journey and withdrawal symptoms participants experience, the societal implications, and future steps to promote digital wellbeing in hospitality and tourism. Dr. Cai emphasises the importance of preparing for a digital detox to ensure a positive experience and highlights ongoing research projects and potential developments in creating digital free destinations.

If you are interested in Dr.Cai's research, please find his publications below:

Cai, W., & McKenna, B. (2021). Power and Resistance: Digital-Free Tourism in a Connected World. Journal of Travel Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472875211061208

Cai, W., McKenna, B., & Waizenegger, L. (2020). Turning it off: Emotions in digital-free travel. Journal of Travel Research, 59(5), 909-927.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0047287519868314

​

Floros, C., Cai, W., McKenna, B., & Ajeeb, D. (2019) Imagine being off-the-grid: Millennials' Perceptions of Digital-Free Travel, Journal of Sustainable Tourism.

https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1675676

​

McKenna, B., Waizenegger, L., & Cai, W. (2020). The influence of personal and professional commitments on digitally disconnected experiences. In IFIP International Conference on Human Choice and Computers (pp. 305-314). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62803-1_24

00:11 Meet Dr. Wenjie Cai

00:50 Understanding Digital Free Travel

02:09 The Unplugged Cabin Experience

06:26 Emotional Responses to Digital Detox

08:38 Practical Tips for Digital Detox

17:58 Exploring the Dark Side of Digital Detox

27:44 Future Research and Collaborations

28:34 Conclusion and Farewell