Do Americans Shop Too Much?

Juliet Schor breaks a taboo by exposing Americans' shopping habits to moral society. Schor disapproves of unfettered private consumption not only because we already use up so much but also because overspending to bolster a sense of self does not lead to happiness. Along with her critique Schor suggests intriguing ideas for making 'status' goods accessible for all--for example imposing high taxes on expensive items to subsidize lines of affordable 'luxury' goods. A firestorm of responses follow from economist Robert Frank and others. . The New Democracy Forum is a series of short paperback originals exploring creative solutions to our most urgent national concerns.. A civic treasure. . . . A truly good idea carried out with intelligence and panache. --Robert Pinsky