Read: Galbraith, The Affluent Society, pages 6-17, 114-142 (article)
Schor, The Overspent American

1. What does Galbraith mean by conventional wisdom?

2. Why does Galbraith challenge the logic that increased production meets consumer demand? Where does he believe desires originate? What factors have produced the situation he identifies?

3. According to Schor, what factors have led to increases in American consumption?

4. Schor argues that we tend not to see spending as social. Why do we think of it as individual? Why should we consider it to be social? Do you agree?

5. What role do the media, friends, family, and community play in our consumption behaviors?

6. What are simple living and voluntary simplicity? How do they represent transformations in consumption practices and attitudes? Do you find this lifestyle attractive or necessary? Why or why not?

7. What is Diderot's lesson? What are the concrete steps which Schor suggests we take to develop a new consumer consciousness and behavior? Do you think her suggestions would have the desired results? Why or why not?

Journal Entry #6: Spending Diary (due in class on March 16 and by email to aleshkow[at]holycross.edu).

One of the goals of this course is to provide you with the analytical tools and cross-cultural perspective to evaluate the meaning and significance of your own practices. In keeping with this goal and the specific concerns about consumption expressed by Juliet Schor, you are being asked to keep a spending diary for two weeks.

The diary consists of a list of all that you purchase, including the specific item and amount. Also provide a brief explanation of the circumstances surrounding the purchase (people you were with, activities you were engaged in at the time, your reasons for making the purchase, etc.).

Keep the diary for two weeks, one of which needs to be during spring break. This will allow you contrast your spending while on campus with your habits when not on campus.

Once you have finished the diary, put it aside for a little bit. Then, when you think you have a bit of distance from your purchases, take a look at the record of those two weeks. What aspects of your diary stand out to you? Do you see a pattern to your purchases? Are there spending choices you made that you might change?

Keeping these concerns in mind, write a journal entry in response to some or all of the following questions:

What factors shape your purchasing decisions? Are your spending habits marked by what Juliet Schor terms the "Diderot efffect"? Is your consumption "social" in the sense that she describes? Why or why not? Do you agree with her proposed solutions to the upward trend in consumption?

Miscellaneous details:
1) While you are on campus, many of the things you buy and consume are in some sense prepaid through your Crusader Card and are not directly paid by you. Keep track of them nevertheless.
2) If you are in doubt about whether something counts, it is best to record it.
3) Please hand in your diary with your journal entry. I will keep your diary confidential.

For more information, contact: aleshkow@holycross.edu