The Costs of Living: How Market Freedom Erodes the Best Things in Life

by Barry Schwartz

Argues that materialism has eroded the value of freedom, family, friends, work, education, health, and leisure and that students are turning from idealism to cynicism

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

394 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

an American psychologist. Schwartz is the Dorwin Cartwright Professor of Social Theory and Social Action at Swarthmore College. He frequently publishes editorials in the New York Times applying his research in psychology to current events.

Reviews

[Jeff]

Schwartz wrote one of my favorite books, The Paradox of Choice, which is why I picked up The Costs of Living. In TPoC, Schwartz explained why having too many choices as consumers can actually have negative consequences on our psyches. In TCoL, which was written in the early 90's, he talks about the same sort of stuff on a more 'macro' level, explaining how unbridled capitalism makes almost everybody--including those who are profiting the most from it--unhappy. Or at least that's what I think he's going do to.

One interesting thing about reading this book within our current economic crisis, is that much of what he has to say about the economics of the US applies now even more than it did then. The early 90s sort of presaged what's happening now, I think, especially around how deregulation can lead to such intense economic downturns.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the read , probably because i'm in the field of economics/sociology , and this subject is before me wherever i go . Life is becoming tougher , well-being isn't in reach , most people suffer ( even the rich ? ) which means that something is wrong ? system reform is needed , but the real solution start right there ( pre-school education ) .

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Barry Schwartz book (the first being When More is Less) and like the first, I enjoyed it immensely, could not put it down, was fascinated by the issues he raises and discusses and ultimately a bit depressed by the prospects of how to change out society into some place I would feel comfortable living. If you are into economics and psychology in/of the U.S. culture, I think you would enjoy this book. But do be warned - there aren't any concrete ideas for solutions, only food for thought. Enjoy.