The Business of Consumerism

December 19th, 2008

As the Black Friday kicked off the holiday shopping frenzy this year, 3 people died in shopping-related deaths. Even as the credit crisis and waves of layoffs pressure the pocketbooks of millions of Americans, advertisers desperately attempt to find our unfulfilled needs. How does consumerism shape our society? As new generations of parents mold a new generation of consumers, how are businesses working to extend their brand to children?

This week, we’re looking at the past and future of consumerism in America. We’ll delve into the psychological elements of consumer behavior, and explore how the relationship between parents, businesses and children shapes our consumer culture.

Listen to the Full Episode | Download MP3

Part 1: Jackson Lears, Cultural Historian | Download MP3

Part 2: John Cacioppo, Social Neuroscientist | Download MP3

Part 3: Dan Cook, Child Researcher | Download MP3

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