Voluntary Simplicity
Responding to Consumer Culture
Daniel Doherty(Editor)
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published on 1. December 2003
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-0-7425-2066-0 (ISBN)
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Description
In the past fifty years, the standard of living in most industrialized nations has risen dramatically, but the number of people describing themselves as content has remained steady or fallen. The result has been a growing desire to regain some of the virtues of simpler times, whether by forgoing luxuries, switching careers, or returning to nature. These essays reflect on the different facets of 'voluntary simplicity' and consumer culture, providing an historic view of the movement as well as a social-scientific analysis of its causes and effects.
Reviews / Votes
Offers valuable contributions from scholars such as Duane Elgin, Juliet Schor, David Shi, Richard Gregg, and Amitai Etzioni. Contributes significantly to an understanding of this movement, and of cultural analysis and social change. Recommended. * CHOICE * A reader bringing together many of the best writings on human wants and needs, the good life, and simplicity through history. * Future Survey * The mere concept of simplicity in this world of over-inflated consumerism is challenging from the onset. Yet each contributor, relying upon their individualized perspectives, explores the subject with strong opinions, and shares their support or critique of the matter with enough information to allow the reader to form their own opinions of the viability or appeal as it relates to the reader's own lifestyle. * Metapsychology Online * In summary the book presents a coherent and well-organised account of the philosophy and values associated with voluntary simplicity. It is thought provoking and insightful and made me re-question the value of materialism and our general way of life in the West. Anyone reading this will probably give thought to their own behavior with regards to work, quality of life and the ever-growing consumerism. -- Louis Warwick-Booth, University of SheffieldMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 158 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
449 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7425-2066-0 (9780742520660)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Voluntary Simplicity
Responding to Consumer Culture
E-Book
11/2003
1st Edition
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
€44.99
Available for download

E-Book
11/2003
1st Edition
Bloomsbury eBooks US
€44.99
Available for download
Persons
Daniel Doherty is completing his Ph.D. at Yale University. Amitai Etzioni is university professor and the director of the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies at The George Washington University.
Content
Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Introduction: Voluntary Simplicity- Psychological Implications, Societal Consequences Part 3 Human Wants, Human Goods Chapter 4 A Theory of Human Motivation Chapter 5 Wealth and Happiness: A Limited Relationship Chapter 6 Consuming for Love Chapter 7 The Problem of Over-Consumption-Why Economists Don't Get It Chapter 8 Achieving Collective Well-Being through Greater Simplicity: A Simple Proposal Part 9 Simplicity Throughout History Chapter 10 Early American Simplicity: The Quaker Ethic Chapter 11 Simple Needs Chapter 12 The Value of Voluntary Simplicity Chapter 13 Voluntary Simplicity: A Movement Emerges Part 14 Critical Perspectives Chapter 15 Conspicuous "Simplicity" Chapter 16 The Liberating Role of Consumption and the Myth of Artificially Created Desires