By examining the politics of consumption and competing visions of freedom of choice, Matthew Hilton has raised the discussion about consumerism in a globalizing society to a new level. Prosperity for All presents a comparative picture of consumerism and advances theoretical discussion; it will also be welcomed by anyone interested in the subject. Because of its interdisciplinary approach and its ... Read moresubject matter, this book should show up in classrooms devoted to sociology, political economy, history, and global studies.
Bruce Mazlish, MIT Prosperity for All is a significant book that offers a new angle-and much fresh evidence, from previously unstudied places-on the history and meaning of the modern consumer movement. Hilton has done an impressive range of research around the world. By lining up Western examples alongside the vibrant but largely unknown movement in Asia and elsewhere, Hilton shows the 'consumer movement' to be more complex and global than has been heretofore recognized.
Lawrence Glickman, University of South Carolina Taking a refreshing view of the history of consumption, Matthew Hilton identifies a change in the relative weight given by consumer groups from a 'focus on access to one of choice' and thus redefines consumer history according to the historical balance between social welfare and individual gain as the dual goals of consumer organizations.... Prosperity for All deserves attention for its insightful use of the consumer movement to help explain larger and economic and social trends. The international transformation of consumer politics from an emphasis on democracy and social justice to the neoclassical prominence of individual choice stands as an important narrative of twentieth-century global history.... Perhaps most importantly, Hilton successfully incorporates consumer activists-emphasizing the links between the individual battles against breast milk substitutes, crop modification, and pharmaceutical dumping-into the greater story of international social movements.
Christopher R. W. Dietrich
Itinerario
Hilton's fine book traces the history of the consumer movement, focusing on how its agenda has changed and how, in the process, it has neglected two critical issues, overconsumption by some groups and underconsumption by others.... The powerful narrative makes insightful links to broader social and global issues. Highly recommended.
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