The SQUEEZE: Americans today consider the pursuit of more to be a primary determinant for achieving success. But social critics are increasingly reaching different conclusions. Consumerism is becoming a disastrous condition that is having negative effects. In Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic, John de Graaf, David Wann, and Thomas Naylor explore this topic of consumerism as a socially transmittable condition that is both painful and contagious. In relating consumerism to a spreadable disease, the authors suggest that consumerism has a three-part effect. With this in mind, the authors trace the origins and symptoms of affluenza, defining the concept and offering a proposal regarding treatment. Affluenza is a must-read for university, students, and sociology scholars.

Notable Endorsement: “The way to end a nightmare is to wake up, and this book is an alarm clock.” -- Paul Hawken, author of Ecology of Commerce and Natural Capitalism

Common Q’s Answered by this Book:

• What is consumerism?
• What are the three parts of consumerism?
• What is affluenza?
• What are the four socially transmittable conditions?
• What are the examples of America’s dogged pursuit of “more”?

About the Author: John de Graaf is a frequent speaker on topics related to over-consumption and over-work in America. Graaf is the national coordinator for Take Back Your Time Day, an initiative to challenge the epidemic of over-scheduling and time famine. Graaf is the national coordinator of the initiative. For more information on John de Graaf’s work, visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-de-graaf. David Wann has written multiple books and articles. Wann is also a producer of videos and television programs. Wann publishes and produces work on sustainable design and lifestyle. Today, Wann is the current president of the Sustainable Futures Society, which is a non-profit organization. For more information, visit: http://www.davewann.com/. Thomas Naylor is a Professor Emeritus of Economics at Duke University. Naylor is a writer and social critic. Naylor has taught at Middlebury College and the University of Vermont. Naylor’s research and career interests extend to international management, consulting, and strategic management solutions. Naylor completed a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University (1958); a master’s degree from Indiana University (1961); and a Ph.D. from Tulane University. For more information, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Naylor.

Book Vitals:

Publisher: Berrett-Koehler (September 2005)