Table of Contents

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

About the Author

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

Reviews

‘I have used Professor Goldsmith’s Consumer Economics: Issues and Behaviors text for several years and am delighted to add her newest version to my Consumer Economics class. The book is written in such a user-friendly way that the reader may forget that s/he is reading a textbook. The information in this newest version is up-to-date and relevant to consumers of every age. The content will likely inspire a new generation of consumer advocates.’ — Dr. Diann Moorman, Associate Professor at the University of Georgia, USA‘Goldsmith’s Consumer Economics provides updated information on important and current economic issues faced by consumers. The book is well written based on information from original research papers and other reputable sources including the author’s own scholarship. A great textbook for undergraduate courses in consumer economics and relevant disciplines.’ — Jing Jian Xiao, Author of Consumer Economic Wellbeing and Professor of Consumer Economics, University of Rhode Island, USA‘Consumer Economics: Issues and Behaviors by Elizabeth B. Goldsmith provides an all-encompassing introduction and overview to the study of consumerism. The detailed examples, discussion questions and resources serve to engage students from varying disciplines in the exploration of their rights and responsibilities as a consumer.’ — Linda A. Bradley, Ph.D., Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Northridge, USA‘Dr. Goldsmith’s latest edition of Consumer Economics: Issues and Behaviors contains all the elements of an excellent text. As an instructor, I use the quotes from each chapter as an introduction to each class session. The students connect with the practical nature of the case studies that reflect chapter content. The real life examples and high interest topics connect easily with students and lead to lively discussion. I look forward to utilizing this updated text to enhance my classes.’ — Susan A. Reichelt, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor, Sam Houston State University, USA