In this signal work of history, Bancroft Prize winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist Lizabeth Cohen shows how the pursuit of prosperity after World Wa...
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Feb 08, 2009
Billy
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Argues that Keynesian-paradigms of thought transcended the New Deal brain-trusters and was adopted by grassroots consumers. In short, consumption became a political act in and of itself during the New Deal, and this dollar activism has remained in the United States ever since. In her examination, she builds upon E.P. Thompson’s idea of a “moral economy,” a notion that began with the Progressive era but came to actualization during the Great Depression. In particular, women and African America
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Sep 22, 2011
Rebecca
rated it:
Interesting take on American history from the 1930's forward that focuses on the role (or you could say rule) of the consumer (rather than the voter or worker), arguing that they became the controlling influence, and sometimes even the controlling power in American society.
As I read this I realized that I had already read some of the chapters for various classes on American history (namely the ones on suburbia and shopping malls). In fact this book is more a collection of journal ar More...
As I read this I realized that I had already read some of the chapters for various classes on American history (namely the ones on suburbia and shopping malls). In fact this book is more a collection of journal ar More...
Jul 28, 2008
Mark
rated it:
The subject matter of "A Consumers' Republic" is engrossing and the book reveals many truths that are now forgotten and swept under the rug. Cohen uses an impressive plethora of examples to demonstrate her points, and in the end I know much more about the United States' economic and social history from the 30's to the present.
Unfortuntately, Cohen's writing often becomes convoluted and difficult to read due to frequent lengthy and difficult to follow sentences. While readi More...
Unfortuntately, Cohen's writing often becomes convoluted and difficult to read due to frequent lengthy and difficult to follow sentences. While readi More...
Nov 13, 2009
Terry
rated it: 
Listened to Lee Eisenberg on Diane Rehm show discuss his book, but he also mentioned this one, which sounded more interesting to me.
The interview here:
http://wamu.org/audio/dr/09/11/r2091103-...
I actually read the intro and the first 50 pages and found it too scholarly. It was certainly readable, but not for my taste. It would be an excellent reference and it makes a very powerful point that the US economy has been relentlessly dependent on consumer spending an More...
The interview here:
http://wamu.org/audio/dr/09/11/r2091103-...
I actually read the intro and the first 50 pages and found it too scholarly. It was certainly readable, but not for my taste. It would be an excellent reference and it makes a very powerful point that the US economy has been relentlessly dependent on consumer spending an More...
Apr 20, 2009
I read about a third of this in helfgott's 'american consumer culture' class and really think I'd have (a) enjoyed it more and (b) actually gotten through it if I read it leisurely.
Jul 29, 2008
Kate
rated it:
The style is at best workman-like, but Cohen is nonetheless convincing about the integration of consumption into the American conception of citizenship.
Feb 06, 2012
Sean
rated it:
Solid overall argument, but I did not like her writing style, except towards the end where she really made her feelings clear. At long last, honest!
Jun 29, 2010
[very, very interesting. very, very dense. will pick up again when i'm back to daily reading a few pages of some tome over breakfast:]
May 13, 2008
Janet
rated it: 
Liz baby, too long and unfocussed. But you're making an important historical argument.
Feb 17, 2008
Julie
rated it: 
History, consumerism, politics & more! All wrapped up in one excellent book.
Jan 27, 2008
Cambra
rated it:
aaaaaaaaaaaccccccckkkkkkk
(trans: could & should be abridged into essay form).
(trans: could & should be abridged into essay form).
Aug 15, 2010
Stephanie
rated it:
Ever had a fleeting thought that maybe, just maybe, the entire world you live in is nothing but a result of careful sculpting? Of course you have.
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