Limits to Satisfaction: An Essay on the Problem of Needs and CommoditiesConsumerism and capitalist and socialist industry have reached the point where state power is legitimatized by its ability to increase the number of commodities. A unique culture has been created in which marketing is the main social bond. Values no longer shape and condition needs, wants, desires, or preferences. Leiss draws on economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology to show the vagueness of our thought on the relation between nature and culture, desire and reason, needs and commodities. This book raises serious, vital questions for all those concerned about the future of our present society. |
Contents
Introduction | 3 |
Society | 28 |
Needs | 49 |
Commodities | 71 |
The double ambiguity | 92 |
The needs of nonhuman nature | 113 |
Notes | 135 |
Acknowledgments | 157 |
Other editions - View all
Limits to Satisfaction: An Essay on the Problem of Needs and Commodities William Leiss Limited preview - 1988 |
Limits to Satisfaction: An Essay on the Problem of Needs and Commodities William Leiss Limited preview - 1988 |
Common terms and phrases
aerosol sprays alternative ambiguous argued arise attempt become behaviour biosphere capacity capitalist characteristics commodity fetishism complex conception consumer consumption activity contemporary context cultural dependence desires developed dimensions discommodities discussion ecological economic Economic Anthropology energy enlightened self-interest environmental essay everyday example exchange-value existing experience fetishism Globe and Mail growth high-consumption high-intensity market setting impact increasing individual's individuals inherent interaction interpretation knowledge labour limited Limits to Growth manipulate market economy market exchanges Marshall Sahlins Marx material demands material objects means ment messages modern modes natural environment needs and commodities non-human nature organization orientation patterns perspective Plastic Trees political population possible potential present problem psychology qualities recent relation relationship requirements Robert Heilbroner Sahlins satisfaction of needs scarcity scientific situation social policies social practice species sphere symbolic correlates symbolic mediations technological theory of needs things tion tive understanding use-value utility wants well-being