Affluenza
Subtitle: how overconsumption is killing us-- and how we can fight back
By: John de Graaf, David Wann, Thomas H. Naylor
Contributors: Wann, David, author; Naylor, Thomas H., 1936- author
Edition: Third edition.
Series: BK currents book; BK currents book
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 274
ISBN-13: 9781609949273
Subjects: Civilization; Economic conditions; Consumption (Economics); Quality of life; Social conditions; Wealth
Description: We tried to warn you!  The 2008 economic collapse proved how resilient and dangerous affluenza can be.  This book can safely be called prophetic in showing how problems ranging from loneliness, endless working hours, and family conflict to rising debt, environmental pollution, and rampant commercialism are all symptoms of this global plague.  The new edition traces the role overconsumption played in the Great Recession, discusses new ways to measure social health and success (such as the Gross Domestic Happiness Index), and offers policy recommendations to make our society more simplicity-friendly.  The underlying message isn't to stop buying - it's to remember, always, that the best things in life aren't things.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 255-262) and index.
Table of contents: title: Pt. 1.  Symptoms; title: Feverish expectations; title: All stuffed up; title: Stressed to kill; title: Family fractures; title: Community chills; title: Heart failure; title: Social scars; title: Resource exhaustion; title: Industrial diarrhea; title: A cancerous culture; title: Pt. 2.  Causes; title: Early infections; title: An ounce of prevention; title: The road not taken; title: An emerging epidemic; title: The age of affluenza; title: Spin doctors; title: Pt. 3.  Cures; title: Diagnostic test; title: Bed rest; title: Affluholics anonymous; title: Fresh air; title: Back to work; title: Building community; title: Policy prescriptions; title: Vital signs; title: The glow of health.