Challenging choices

Auteur

Michael Clarke held posts in the departments of Sociology at the Universities of Birmingham and of Liverpool, where his research was mainly on business crime and regulation. He is now retired and lives in Herefordshire, where he cultivates his garden.

Texte du rabat

This lively and topical book provides a critique of choice in contemporary society and policy. Having choices empowers us, but constant extension of choice overwhelms us. In a concise and readable style, the author considers whether choice enhances or burdens our lives, and questions the blithe assumption that more choice is always for the better.

Contenu

Introduction; Part one: Choice and consumerism: What is choice?; Making choices: just fun?; Choice and the consumer society; When choice does not work; Some wider problems with choice; Part two: Choice and the life cycle: Introduction: choice and the life cycle; Jobs and careers; Lovers, partners, spouses; Fertility and family; Retirement; Death; Part three: Conclusions: Choice and meaning; conclusion.