For undergraduate consumer economics and related consumer science courses. This book provides an up-to-date look at the consumer movement and the intricacies of consumer behavior. It addresses who buys what, how, when, and why. It also looks at the forces that impact consumer choice in an ever-changing and often turbulent world-all using a balanced textbook/casebook approach. This edition emphasizes the consumer power model, includes more on personal finance and reflects the latest consumption shifts and impact consumers have on product development, advertising, packaging and promotion. New to the Edition : Fully updated to include: The latest consumer legislation including the USA Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act Information on consumer recalls, toy recalls & issues in the news The consumer power model More on organic foods and the slow food movement References to My Pyramid-the more individualized way to tailor food, weight and exercise New photographs throughout New! Consumer in control movement- see Chapter 2. Includes a full chapter on consumption shifts and the consumer movement and addresses consumers input about products, advertising, packaging, and promotion. New! Revised chapter on Health and Wellness- see Chapter 9.

Reflects more of an emphasis on wellness and addresses modern health challenges, the rising cost of health care, vaccines and more! New! More personal finance is covered- in Chapter 12, Chapter 13, and Chapter 14. Includes the latest on financing and mortgages, more on green technology, a new section on vehicles and more! Hallmark Features : Internet and e-commerce coverage- includes new buying methods and issues of fraud. Incorporates the increasingly global approach to consumer economics-focusing on online shopping and the associated privacy risks. A full chapter on identity theft and how to avoid it- see Chapter 11. Includes information on identity theft and privacy protection and discusses how identity theft occurs and ways to minimize the risk. Consumer Alert Boxes- include topics important to students such as landlord-tenant disputes, sorting through credit card and cellular phone offers, purchasing cars and vehicle repairs, and choosing travel and various other "deals" wisely. Offer many student-based examples to keep readers actively engaged. Current behavioral trends are addressed- such as organic food, bottled water, and other forms of personal consumption.

Captures the products and trends impacting consumer economics today.