The developed countries, particularly the United States, consume a disproportionate share of the world's resources, yet high and rising levels of consumption do not necessarily lead to greater satisfaction, security, or well-being, even for affluent consumers.

The Consumer Society provides brief summaries of the most important and influential writings on the environmental, moral, and social implications of a consumer society and consumer lifestyles. Each section consists of ten to twelve summaries of critical writings in a specific area, with an introductory essay that outlines the state of knowledge in that area and indicates where further research is needed. Sections cover:

• Scope and Definition
• Consumption in the Affluent Society
• Family, Gender, and Socialization
• The History of Consumerism
• Foundations of Economic Theories of Consumption
• Critiques and Alternatives in Economic Theory
• Perpetuating Consumer Culture: Media, Advertising, and Wants Creation
• Consumption and the Environment
• Globalization and Consumer Culture
• Visions of an Alternative

The Consumer Society is an essential guide to and summary of the literature of consumption and will be of interest to anyone concerned with the deeper economic, social, and ethical implications of consumerism.