Do individual consumers really have rational power and full liberty

Do individual consumers really have rational power and full liberty

Answer the following questions in 400-700 words based on William Leach’s Land of Desire.

1. Do individual consumers really have rational power and full liberty in consumer society? Consider both how Leach seems to answer that question, as well as your own assessment, based on what you learned from Leach's book.

2. Explain how business succeeded in separating the realms of production and consumption (particularly in department stores). Show how government and other institutions partnered with businesses to do this, and describe some of the consequences of this separation on American society.

3. Does consumerism/consumption increase or decrease democracy? Related to this, analyze how consumption has essentially become our new definition of 'freedom.' Consider both how Leach seems to answer that question, as well as your own assessment, based on what you learned from Leach's book.

4. Identify and thoroughly describe Leach's central thesis concerning how these changes occurred in America at this time - which individuals, groups, and/or ideas were the major actors in making these changes possible. (In answering this question, you will have to be able to describe exactly what changes in American society Leach is most interested in describing.) Provide a critique of Leach's thesis. (Remember, a 'critique' is not the same thing as a 'criticism.' You may conclude that Leach's thesis and use of evidence are both solid. If so, explain why. If not, explain why not.)

5. What was the role of government, at both the local and the federal level, in the development of a large business-driven consumeristic American society. What is Leach's position on government's role? What is your own reaction to Leach's arguments about government relationship with big business?