Work, Consumerism, and the New Poor

Work, Consumerism and the New Poor

How does our lifestyle create a new generation of poor? Renowned sociologist and thinker Zygmunt Bauman's cautionary tale deciphers the myth of poverty underpinned by consumerism.
◎ In contemporary times, the only thing people can do is to accept that this is a consumer society, but only by being vigilant at all times can they have the possibility of resistance.
◎ Douban's annual reading list, Zhihu's annual book list, China Reading News' annual top 100 books, FT Chinese's annual business book list, Duozhaoyu's annual fresh fish list, and national independent bookstore joint recommendation book——————
【Content Introduction】
In a society of producers and widespread employment, poverty is one thing. In a consumer society, poverty is another. In the latter, life is structured around consumer choices rather than work or professional skills. "Poverty," once associated with unemployment, now primarily refers to the plight of vulnerable consumers. This difference has transformed the way poverty is experienced, with significant implications for the fight against suffering. This book by renowned sociologist and thinker Bauman reflects on and discusses consumer society and its impact. In this book, Bauman traces this shift in modern history, takes stock of its social consequences, and considers the effectiveness of various approaches to combating poverty and alleviating suffering.
Students of sociology, political science, and social policy will find this an invaluable book on an enduring social issue whose meaning is constantly changing.
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【Recommendations from celebrities and media】
Marx would also cry after reading this book.
—— "Economic Observer Book Review Supplement"
Reading Bauman is always a powerful experience. He is certainly not as relentless a critic of consumer society as the late Jean Baudrillard or the young Naomi Klein, but his lucid and profound interpretations always heighten our unease.
—— "Financial Times Weekly"
People are generally trapped in a dilemma of housing, cars, and child support, a problem that stems from both the government's lack of public welfare and the deeper consumer patterns of modern society. Bauman recognized the problem and struggled to find a solution.
—— "China Business Daily"
This book explores the nature of change in depth and discusses our current transformation from a "producer society" to a "consumer society".
—— NetEase Reading Channel You and I may be the contemporary "new poor" as he defines it.
In the eyes of many, Bauman is a strong moral voice for the poor and exploited in the tide of globalization. Whether writing about the Holocaust or globalization, his focus has always been on how humans can create a dignified life through ethical decision-making.
——Jiemian News People always praise Bauman as a prophet who predicted the postmodern society. In fact, his theoretical construction is entirely based on the sensitivity generated by his personal situation: he lacks a sense of belonging, and a fluid consumerist world where everything solid collapses is coming, which makes his anxiety grow day by day.
——Southern People Weekly

2021-09-01

上海社会科学院出版社

180

9787552036107