ABSTRACT
From identity theft to product recalls, from what we once thought of as unshakeable institutions to increasing concerns about sustainability, consumer issues are an integral part of modern life. This fully updated third edition of Consumer Economics offers students an accessible and thorough guide to the concerns surrounding the modern consumer and brings to light the repercussions of making uninformed decisions in today’s economy.
This definitive textbook introduces students to these potential issues and covers other key topics including consumer behavior, personal finance, legal rights and responsibilities, as well as marketing and advertising. Combining theory and practice, students are introduced to both the fundamentals of consumer economics and how to become better-informed consumers themselves.
Highlights in this new edition include:
- New Critical Thinking Projects feature to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills through analysing consumer issues.
- Expanded coverage of social media and the impact of social influence on consumers.
- Revised Consumer Alerts: practical advice and guidance for students to make smart consumer decisions.
- A new Companion Website with a range of presentation materials and exercises related to each chapter.
Fully updated throughout, this textbook is suitable for students studying consumer sciences – what works, what doesn’t, and how consumers are changing.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part |121 pages
Consumer Perspectives
chapter |36 pages
Consumers in a Changing World
chapter |42 pages
The Consumer Movement
chapter |41 pages
Consumer Theories and Models
part |73 pages
Consumer Protection
chapter |34 pages
Consumer Protection and Law
chapter |37 pages
Government Protection, Consumer Groups, and the Media
part |258 pages
Consumers in the Marketplace
chapter |37 pages
Brands, Buying Process, and Product Development
chapter |38 pages
Decision Making and Advertising
chapter |42 pages
Food and Water Issues
chapter |41 pages
Health and Wellness Issues
chapter |33 pages
Sustainability and Safety
chapter |30 pages
The Internet, Technology, and Identity Theft
chapter |35 pages
Being a Better Consumer of Housing and Vehicles
part |76 pages
Consumers in the Financial Marketplace
chapter |37 pages
Banking, Debt, and Credit Issues
chapter |37 pages
Insurance and Investment Issues
part |22 pages
Emerging Consumer Issues and the Global Perspective