Consumerism in World History: The Global Transformation of Desire

by Peter N. Stearns

This second edition of Consumerism in World History draws on recent research of the consumer experience in the West and Japan, while also examining societies less renowned for consumerism, such as those in Africa. By relating consumerism to other issues in world history, this book forces reassessment of our understanding of both consumerism and global history. Each chapter has been updated and new features now With updated suggested reading, the second edition of Consumerism in World History is essential reading for all students of world history.

Genres: History, Economics, Sociology, Nonfiction

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Peter Nathaniel Stearns is a professor at George Mason University, where he was provost from January 1, 2000 to July 2014.
Stearns was chair of the Department of History at Carnegie Mellon University and also served as the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (now named Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences) at Carnegie Mellon University. In addition, he founded and edited the Journal of Social History. While at Carnegie Mellon, he developed a pioneering approach to teaching World History, and has contributed to the field as well through editing, and contributing to, the Routledge series, Themes in World History. He is also known for various work on the nature and impact of the industrial revolution and for exploration of new topics, particularly in the history of emotions.
He is active in historical groups such as the American Historical Association, the Society for French Historical Studies, the Social Science History Association and the International Society for Research on Emotion.

Reviews

[Regina Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for those who art trying to understand what consumerism is and the history of it.

[Mark Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting endeavor and so helpful to learn about why we are where we are in our history of consumption. Especially helpful in thinking through my personal stake in consumerism. Sterns encourages his readers to be well informed so that we are not consumed by consumerism but to make an informed decision and to choose how much we choose to participate.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty straightforward history of consumerism. It was essential for my thesis research. It is one of the few books that covers consumerism in all parts of the world through a historical context and shows how they are linked.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though not well cited, this book still gives you an excellent idea of how consumerism originated, how it spread globally, and why it has persisted.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent overview for a class i am developing for Spring 2015.