Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behavior - Softcover

Miller MD, Geoffrey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0143117238 ISBN 13: 9780143117230

Publisher: Penguin Books, 2010

Synopsis

A leading evolutionary psychologist probes the unconscious instincts behind American consumer culture

Illuminating the hidden reasons for why we buy what we do, Spent applies evolutionary psychology to the sensual wonderland of marketing and perceived status that is American consumer culture. Geoffrey Miller starts with the theory that we purchase things to advertise ourselves to others, and then examines other factors that dictate what we spend money on. With humor and insight, Miller analyzes an array of product choices and deciphers what our decisions say about ourselves, giving us access to a new way of understanding-and improving-our behaviors to become happier consumers.

About this title

Review:

"Written with greater verbal fluency than Henry James, argued with more penetrating insight than William James, this modern, clever, bold, beautiful and occasionally infuriating book will become a classic " (Matt Ridley, author of Nature via Nurture)

""One of the most perceptive and illuminating accounts of marketing and capitalism ever written. Always witty, often surprising, and sometimes shocking, this book is a sheer joy to read."" (Dylan Evans, author of Emotion: The Science of Sentiment)

"'intelligent, engaging, exasperating and funny...if readers embrace his alternatives to retail it could spark a revolution'" (New Scientist)

"Gripping" (The Times)

"Ingenious and brilliantly argued" (Colin Tudge Literary Review)

Book Description:

Acclaimed psychologist Geoffrey Miller uses evolutionary biology to reveal how the dizzying, brand-saturated world of modern consumerism really works.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0143117238
• ISBN 13: 9780143117230
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384