Research work · 2026
The Future of Science Education Through the Lens of Consumption Sociology: A STEAM-Oriented Systematic Review and Projection
Ahmet Ünal
Abstract
This systematic review investigates the sociological relationship between evolving consumption paradigms and the emergence of STEM and STEAM education. Drawing on the sociology of consumption — spanning Fordist mass production, post-Fordist flexible accumulation, prosumption theory, and mass customization — the review examines the extent to which macro-level shifts in how societies produce and consume have shaped the structure, rationale, and trajectory of science education reform. A systematic search of the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases will be conducted using Boolean search strings combining STEM/STEAM education terminology with consumption sociology and educational reform concepts. The search covers publications from 1990 to 2024. Screening and selection will follow the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Thematic synthesis will be employed as the primary analytical method, following the three-stage procedure outlined by Thomas and Harden (2008). The review aims to: (1) map the theoretical and empirical literature connecting consumption sociology to STEM/STEAM education; (2) identify key themes in this relationship; and (3) advance a future projection for science education grounded in societal consumption trends. Findings are intended to inform curriculum policy, teacher education, and the broader scholarly conversation on the sociological foundations of science education.