Consumer Economics: Issues and Behaviors, 2nd Edition
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" wiselyInternet and e-commerce is well-documentedIntroduces the circular flow model of consumption from beginning to endA full chapter on consumption shifts and the consumer movementState-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 movementA full chapter on health and wellnessPractical information regarding purchasing homes, cars, insurance, and investments, including warranties and guarantees, product safety and awareness of "get rich quick" schemesA full chapter on identity theft and how to avoid it--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.