From artificial intelligence to identity theft, from what we once thought of as unshakeable institutions to increasing concerns about privacy and sustainability, consumer issues are an integral part of daily life. This updated fourth 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 global economy.

This definitive textbook introduces students to these potential issues and covers other key topics including consumer behavior, the history of the consumer movement, personal finance, legal rights and responsibilities, and 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 the following:

• New case studies and critical thinking projects to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills through analyzing consumer issues.
• Expanded coverage of social media and the impact of social influence on consumers.
• Revised consumer alerts: practical advice and guidance to help students make smart consumer decisions.
• A companion website with PowerPoint slides for each chapter.

Fully updated, this textbook is suitable for students studying consumer sciences-what works, what does not, and how consumers are changing.

Elizabeth B. Goldsmith is Professor Emerita in the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University and Research Affiliated Faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech University, USA. She is a Fulbright Scholar, awarded grants from Stanford University, the Smithsonian, and Duke University, and has served as Domestic Policy Advisor for the White House and as advisor on bankruptcy education for the US Department of Justice.

Part 1 Consumer Perspectives

1. Consumers in a Changing World

2. The Consumer Movement

3. Consumer Theories and Models

Part 2 Consumer Protection

4. Consumer Protection and Law

5. Government Protection, Consumer Groups, and the Media

Part 3 Consumers in the Marketplace

6. Brands, Buying Process, and Product Development

7. Decision Making and Advertising

8. Food and Water Issues

9. Health and Wellness Issues

10. Sustainability and Safety

11. The Internet, Technology, and Identity Theft

12. Being a Better Consumer of Housing and Vehicles

Part 4 Consumers in the Financial Marketplace

13 Banking, Debt, and Credit Issues

14 Insurance and Investment Issues

Part 5 Emerging Consumer Issues and the Global Perspective

15. Issues, Ethics, and Globalization