Consumer Economics Issues and Behaviors

Today's consumer is operating in a much more complex marketplace than could ever have been envisioned by Adam Smith, founding father of modern economics, who argued that consumers--not kings or parliaments--should rule nations. There is no doubt that the consumer is still sovereign, but controlling resources is becoming increasingly difficult. This text examines and explains the issues surrounding the modern consumer. Highlights include: Student-based examples such as landlord-tenant disputes, sorting through credit card and cellular phone offers, purchasing cars and vehicle repairs, and choosing travel and various other "deals" wisely Internet and e-commerce is well-documented Introduces the circular flow model of consumption from beginning to end A full chapter on consumption shifts and the consumer movement State-of-the-art scientific and behavioral knowledge on diets, organically-grown food, genetically altered food, additives, food-related disease, and fast-food versus the slow-food movement A full chapter on health and wellness Practical information regarding purchasing homes, cars, insurance, and investments, including warranties and guarantees, product safety and awareness of "get rich quick" schemes A full chapter on identity theft and how to avoid itGoldsmith, Elizabeth B. is the author of 'Consumer Economics Issues and Behaviors', published 2004 under ISBN 9780130989741 and ISBN 0130989746.