Edward Elgar Publishing Elgar Encyclopedia of Consumption (Elgar Encyclopedias in Economics and Finance series)

This comprehensive Encyclopedia analyses the consumption of goods and services, presenting this as the most significant decision made by individuals from both an economic and wellbeing perspective. Leading experts outline fundamental concepts for understanding how people model their consumption decisions and their lasting impacts. Emphasising the importance of intra-household investigation, contributors incorporate a range of methodological theories to address fundamental consumer topics. They demonstrate that consumer decisions are essential for correctly deriving economic quantitative evidence for social and policy issues. Illustrating how individual consumption habits can influence patterns on a regional and national level, entries provide an intergenerational overview of both household and population economics. The Elgar Encyclopedia of Consumption is an essential resource for economists and sociology scholars, particularly those focusing on consumption and economic theory. It will also be of interest to market researchers and managers seeking to better understand the intricacies of consumer behaviour. Key Features: Explores the economic and social impacts of consumer patterns Addresses methodological issues for economists attempting to analyse consumer behaviour Presents interdisciplinary entries that combine economic insights and their consequences on household social dynamics Evaluates topics from retirement to migration to provide an inclusive overview of purchaser behaviour