Synopsis
When this classic work was first published in 1976, its central tenet--more is not necessarily better--placed it in direct conflict with mainstream thought in economics. Within a few years, however, this apparently paradoxical claim was gaining wide acceptance. Scitovsky's ground-breaking book was the first to apply theories of behaviorist psychology to questions of consumer behavior and to do so in accessible, non-technical language. Setting out to analyze the failures of our consumerist lifestyle, Scitovsky concluded that people's need for stimulation is so vital that it can lead to violence if not satisfied by novelty--whether in challenging work, art, fashion, gadgets, late-model cars, or scandal. Though much of the book stands as a record of American post-war prosperity and its problems, the revised edition also takes into account recent social and economic changes. A new preface and a foreword by economist Robert Frank cover some of these issues. Two revised chapters discuss the assimilation of counter-cultural ideas throughout American society, especially ideas concerning the quality of life. Scitovsky draws fascinating connections between the new elite of college-educated consumers and the emergence of a growing underclass plagued by drugs and violence, perceptively tracing the reactions of these disparate groups to the problems of leisure and boredom. In the wake of the the so-called "decade of greed" and amidst calls for a "kinder, gentler" society, The Joyless Economy seems more timely than ever.
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About the Author
About the Author Tibor Scitovsky is Emeritus Professor of Economics at Stanford University.
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The Joyless Economy; An Inquiry into Human Satisfaction and Consumer Dissatisfaction
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Oxford University Press, New York London Toronto
ISBN 10: 0195019741
ISBN 13: 9780195019742
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Seller: Spafford Books (ABAC / ILAB), Regina, SK, Canada
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[0-19-501974-1] 1976, 1st printing. (hardcover) Very good in very good dust jacket. xvii, 310pp. 8vo. Scarce in dust jacket. The first endeavor to pull economics and psychology together in order to better understand human desire, as well as the somewhat paradoxicql dissatisfaction that often comes when we seem to have everything we ever wanted. Tables, notes. Jacket shows light edge wear. Brown cloth, gilt title stamped to spine. Clean, crisp, tight, bright, solid. Seller Inventory # 126826
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Joyless Economy: An Inquiry into Human Satisfaction and Consumer Dissatisfaction
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1976
ISBN 10: 0195019741
ISBN 13: 9780195019742
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hardcover. Condition: Good. Our good condition books are generally good for reading but not for gifting or collecting. They could have imperfections such as creasing, fanning, inscriptions, margin notes, yellowing, staining on edge or cover or pages, bumps, scuffs, etc etc (sometimes multiple of these). It's a wide category that encompasses anything that isn't almost-new down to anything that is slightly better than poor. We would NOT recommend gifting Good books - these should be considered reading copies. Our books are dispatched from a Yorkshire former cotton mill. We list via barcode/ISBN so please note that the images are stock images and may not be the exact copy you receive, furthermore the details about edition and year might not be accurate as many publishers reuse the same ISBN for multiple editions and as we simply scan a barcode or enter an ISBN we do not check the validity of the edition data when listing. If you're looking for an exact edition please don't order (at least not without checking with us first, although we don't always have time to check). We aim to dispatch prompty, the service used will depend on order value and book size. We can ship to most countries, see our shipping policies. Payment is via Abe only. Seller Inventory # P-BQM00094-RAG-20240508-G
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The Joyless Economy: An Inquiry Into Human Satisfaction and Consumer Dissatisfaction
Published by
Oxford University Press, 1976
ISBN 10: 0195019741
ISBN 13: 9780195019742
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Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in fair condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:0195019741. Seller Inventory # 4945118
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The Joyless Economy. An Inquiry Into Human Satisfaction and Consumer Dissatisfaction
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ISBN 10: 0195019741
ISBN 13: 9780195019742
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Hardback in jacket 1976. PENCIL UNDERLINING & ANNOTATION. Jacket is now under clear removable covers. Dispatched ROYAL MAIL FIRST CLASS with TRACKING next working day or sooner securely boxed in cardboard. ref 119:18. Seller Inventory # 009935
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