Summary

We live in an affluent, developed country in which most Australians have their material needs met. To a significant degree, Australia is a consumer-driven society, in which success and personal fulfilment are measured by the acquisition of material things. Consumerism and overconsumption has for many Australians become a way of life, in which they experience confusion between their needs and wants. The Australian dream now seems to incorporate more than just home ownership ... bigger houses, bigger vehicles, bigger televisions, and bigger expectations. What is driving Australians to suffer from a sustained bout of this so-called ¿affluenza¿? Has materialism gone mad, or are we just becoming more conscious as consumers? The book examines these issues, and also looks at ¿ethical consumption¿ ¿ how does our consumption of luxury goods impact on people in the developing world and on the environment? Do we really need the latest car, plasma TV or mobile phone? Chapter 1: Consumption and Young Consumers Chapter 2: Affluenza and Ethical Consumption Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index