The Waste Makers
 First edition | |
| Author | Vance Packard |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Subject | Consumerism |
| Publisher | David McKay |
Publication date | 1960 |
| Pages | 306 |
| ISBN | 978-1935439370 |
The Waste Makers is a 1960 book on consumerism by Vance Packard. It was bestselling when it was released. The book argues that people in the United States consume a lot more than they should and are harmed by their consumption.
Summary
One reviewer summarized the book's thesis as follows:
American society overemphasizes consumption, especially the quantity rather than the quality of what it consumers, and that it therefore sacrifices culture, prudence, and a proper concern for the future. He blames these distorted values on the business community, especially on the marketers and advertisers who have beguiled the public into accepting false standards.[1]
Another reviewer described how marketers "force feed" people into buying things which are wasteful.[2]
Vance Packard worked to change the meaning of the term "consumerism" from a positive word about consumer practices to a negative word meaning excessive materialism and waste.[3] The ads for his book The Waste Makers prominently featured the word "consumerism" in a negative way.[3]
Reviews
One reviewer said that the book is an examination of how economic growth became thought to be a virtue.[4]
Another reviewer said that the book describes the manipulation of ordinary people by business interests.[5] The reviewer for Commentary noted that Packard had made harsh attacks on businessmen.[6]
References
- ↑ Rees, Albert (July 1961). "The Waste-Makers and the String-Savers". The Journal of Business. University of Chicago Press. 34 (3): 367–373.
- ↑ McKay, David (Sep 30, 1960). "The Waste Makers by Vance Packard". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
- 1 2 Glickman, Lawrence B. (2012). Buying power : a history of consumer activism in America (Paperback ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 265. ISBN 978-0226298672.
- ↑ Rondell, Paul (Summer 2000). "Book Review of The Hidden Persuaders and The Waste Makers by Vance Packard". Social Contract. The Social Contract Press. 10 (4).
- ↑ Johnson, Daniel (24 September 2009). "Book review: The Waste Makers by Vance Packard.". The Salem News. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
- ↑ Lipset, Seymour Martin (January 1961). "The Waste Makers, by Vance Packard". Commentary.