The cultural contradictions of modern capitalism have never been deeper or more dramatic. These contradictions are also confusing. While governments tell citizens to spend in order to save capitalism, economists tell us that western consumers spend too much and Chinese workers, too little. Barry Smart′s engaging contribution offers clear insights into the economic mysteries of modern consumption and production, providing in tandem an historical sociology of the rise of America as a consumer society – this is a timely sociological guide to the perplexed
Bryan S. Turner
The Graduate Center, City University of New York
Barry Smart′s Consumer society is the best study I have seen of contemporary features of the current stage of capitalism organized around consumption and commodities. The book′s range is broad and synoptic and its research is highly impressive. The text is engaging and accessible and should be of interest to a wide range of readers
Douglas Kellner
UCLA, author of Media Spectacle and the Crisis of Democracy
It is a bit too enumerative in its approach, which makes it good for use in excerpts but less so as a whole book. The branding approaches are lacking in insight perspectives or acknowledgement of newer (critical and theoretical) discussions. — Dr Matthias Bode ― drupal Published On: 2011-05-16
Very good resource for beginners and advanced students alike. Definitely an essential resource for my future courses in this field of studies. — Dr Meik Nowak ― drupal Published On: 2021-04-19
Great text to compliment diverse reading list. Unique perspective with good theoretical underpinning. Accessible for students and pitched at the right level. Good text. — Mr David Cockayne ― drupal Published On: 2014-03-27
Broad ranging and insightful. Clearly presented with a wide range of comparative material. — Mr David Ness ― drupal Published On: 2013-02-22
Stimulating and informative. — Mr David Ness ― drupal Published On: 2013-10-23
An excellent and interesting book but not directly relevant to the programme that we run. However, I would recommend it to those students who choose to focus on the environmental/sustainability issues within outdoor education. — Mr Graham Harvey ― drupal Published On: 2012-01-09
Excellent resource for understanding consumer society. However has little in terms of focus to the health and social care discipline. I have recommended this for dissertation students that wish to discuss elements of consumer society. — Mr Lewis Simpson ― drupal Published On: 2013-12-03
Insightful and well argued text, suitable for level. — Mr Nick Sage ― drupal Published On: 2010-09-14
An excellent and timely addition to the literature on contemporary culture from an author who always hits the mark. — Mrs Alison Cain ― drupal Published On: 2010-05-07
A well ordered, clearly written and accessible text that will give my undergraduate students a good introduction to the relationship between consumption norms and environmental stress, and the socio-economic impact of a global market place. — Ms Anna Hawkins ― drupal Published On: 2013-10-01
I really liked this book. It covers some interesting aspects related to consumption, advertising, and markets, but it was more about environmental issues and less about issues of inequality, which made it a poor fit for my course on social stratification. — Professor Michelle Maroto ― drupal Published On: 2013-09-27
An excellent introductory text, comprehensive and clearly written, in my estimation certainly the best on the market at the moment. — Professor Steve Hall ― drupal Published On: 2010-04-04
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