The Gender and Consumer Culture Reader

In this consumer culture studies anthology, 23 reprinted essays (1934-98) consider both the empowering and disempowering elements of consumerism. In her introduction, Scanlon (women's studies, Plattsburgh State U. of New York) views consumer culture as a collaborative process, not simply a matter of perpetrators and victims. The themes the essays address are: stretching the boundaries of the domestic sphere; you are what you buy; the message makers; and sexuality, pleasure and resistance in consumer culture. The book features b&w illustrations promoting the cults of domesticity and identity through proper consumption. It lacks an index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)