Buckle up for five high-octane sessions that travel from 250-acre solar “engines” to the ancient, epic journeys of migratory birds seeking safe passage. We will redefine the “Master Builder” for a resilient age, weigh the moral stakes of our shopping lists in a neoliberal world, and finally, reclaim the radical power of daydreaming to blueprint a world we actually want to live in.
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Ethical Consumption in a Neoliberal World
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Is our planet’s future really resting on your shopping list? In an age of neoliberalism, we are often told that the solution to global crises lies in our personal spending habits.
This fast-paced presentation explores how the burden of sustainability has shifted from systems to individuals, turning everyday acts of consumption into high-stakes moral dilemmas. We’ll explore how to navigate the pressure of neoliberalism while seeking a more authentic, collective impact that goes beyond the checkout aisle. Get ready for a candid, high-energy look at whether we can shop our way to a better planet, or if it’s time to rewrite the rules entirely.
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Kathleen Gish, PhD
Associate Professor of Sociology
Sinclair Community College
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Dr. Kathleen Gish (she/they) started at Sinclair Community College as a high school student, finished a BA at Wright State University, and then attended University of Kentucky for her MA. Later, she went back and completed her PhD at University of Cincinnati. She has taught at her alma mater (and spiritual home), Sinclair, since 2007. In 2025, her manuscript Let Them Eat Fair-Trade Chocolate Cake: Ethical Consumption, Responsibilization, and the Citizen-Consumer in the Age of Neoliberalism was published. She previously published Nativist Notions: The Effects of Anti-Immigration Parties on Mainstream Conservative Parties in Western European Democracies. Kathleen lives in Dayton with her lovely spouse, nine precocious cats, and six vacuums. Her areas of interest are stratification, social movements, and political economy.
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Our Sustainability Luncheons continue with new partners, fresh momentum, and an even bolder vision for our community.
No long panels.
No passive listening.
No energy dips.
Instead, you’ll experience:
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Pecha Kucha–style presentations
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A dynamic, high-energy environment
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Interactive games and prizes
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Cross-sector networking
The series now continues through a collaborative team of Dayton regional sustainability partners, and we can’t wait to see you all again!
