Consumer Economics (3^rd Ed.) Issues and Behaviors

From identity theft to product recalls, from what we once thought of as unshakeable institutions to increasing concerns about sustainability, consumer issues are an integral part of modern life. This fully updated third edition of Consumer Economics offers students an accessible and thorough guide to the concerns surrounding the modern consumer and brings to light the repercussions of making uninformed decisions in today?s economy.

This definitive textbook introduces students to these potential issues and covers other key topics including consumer behavior, personal finance, legal rights and responsibilities, as well as marketing and advertising. Combining theory and practice, students are introduced to both the fundamentals of consumer economics and how to become better-informed consumers themselves.

Highlights in this new edition include:

• New Critical Thinking Projects feature to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills through analysing consumer issues.
• Expanded coverage of social media and the impact of social influence on consumers.
• Revised Consumer Alerts: practical advice and guidance for students to make smart consumer decisions.
• A new Companion Website with a range of presentation materials and exercises related to each chapter.

Fully updated throughout, this textbook is suitable for students studying consumer sciences ? what works, what doesn?t, and how consumers are changing.

Table of Contents

PART 1: Consumer Perspectives

CHAPTER 1 Consumers in a Changing World

CHAPTER 2 The Consumer Movement

CHAPTER 3 Consumer Theories and Models

PART 2: Consumer Protection

CHAPTER 4 Consumer Protection and Law

CHAPTER 5 Government Protection, Consumer Groups, and the Media

PART 3: Consumers in the Marketplace

CHAPTER 6 Brands, Buying Process, and Product Development

CHAPTER 7 Decision Making and Advertising

CHAPTER 8 Food And Water Issues

CHAPTER 9 Health and Wellness Issues

CHAPTER 10 Sustainability and Safety

CHAPTER 11 Internet, Technology and Identity Theft

CHAPTER 12 Being a Better Consumer of Housing and Vehicles

PART 4: Consumers in the Financial Marketplace

CHAPTER 13 Banking, Debt, and Credit Issues

CHAPTER 14 Insurance and Investment Issues

PART 5: Emerging Consumer Issues and the Global Perspective

CHAPTER 15 Issues, Ethics, and Globalization

Elizabeth B. Goldsmith is Professor in the Department of Retail Merchandising and Product Development at Florida State University, USA.