The Overspent American by Juliet B. Schor
Why We Want What We Don't Need
A sociological and economic analysis of how shifting reference groups—magnified by media and the workplace—drive status competition, upscale emulation, and spending beyond one’s means. It links social comparison to household debt, time pressures from longer work hours, and environmental costs, explaining why many feel materially insecure despite higher incomes. It concludes with remedies such as downshifting, voluntary simplicity, stronger community norms, and policy changes to prioritize well-being over consumption.
Purchase from
Bookshop.org
- Published
- 1998
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 250-275
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
This book is not currently on any lists.