Overview

The third edition of Consumerism in World History explores the nature of consumerism and its evolution, with particular emphasis on the modern “consumer revolution” and its global scope. The book deals with crucial interpretive issues, such as whether consumerism is a natural human expression or involves other causes, the relationship between consumer apparatus (such as shops and advertising) and human needs, and the interplay between Western and other regional forms of consumerism. It covers major historical moments and changes, including the consumer revolution in Western society beginning in the 17th century and regional cultural patterns from the 19th century onward. This is a substantially revised edition, with updated suggested readings, rewritten sections on premodern consumerism in agricultural societies, and globalization and consumerism, and expanded coverage of major regions like India and Latin America. This volume is essential reading for all students of world history and will be of great value to those in business history and environmental history.

Full Product Details

Author:   Peter N. Stearns (George Mason University)
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Edition:   3rd edition
Weight:   0.460kg
ISBN:  

9781032908731

ISBN 10:   1032908734
Pages:   204
Publication Date:   26 February 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

1. Consumerism and History Part 1: Premodern Consumerism 2. The Origins of Consumerism 3. The Range and Limitations of Premodern Consumerism Part 2: The Emergence of Modern Consumerism in Western Societies 4. The First Modern Consumer Societies: Western Europe in the 17th-18th Centuries 5. Causes of the New Consumerism 6. Consumerism Across the Atlantic: An Early Imitation 7. The Explosion of Consumerism in Western Europe and the United States 8. The Undercurrent of Opposition Part 3: Modern Consumerism Begins to Go Global: 1850-1950 9. Consumerism in Russia 10. Consumerism in East Asia 11. Consumerism in the Islamic Near East 12. Consumerism in Latin America 13. Consumerism in Africa Part 4: A New Stage: Consumerism and Contemporary History 14. Regional and Other Variants 15. Globalization and Intensification 16. Conclusion: The Meanings of Modern Consumerism

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Author Information

Peter N. Stearns is a Distinguished University Professor of History Emeritus at George Mason University, USA. He has written and taught on a variety of subjects in world history, including consumerism. He has worked extensively on the modern history of emotion, including its links to consumerism, and has researched other specific aspects of consumerism, such as the rise of the birthday party.

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