The Consuming Instinct: What Juicy Burgers, Ferraris, Pornography, and Gift Giving Reveal About Human Nature

In this highly informative and entertaining book, the founder of the vibrant new field of evolutionary consumption illuminates the relevance of our biological heritage to our daily lives as consumers. While culture is important, the author shows that innate evolutionary forces deeply influence the foods we eat, the gifts we offer, the cosmetics and clothing styles we choose to make ourselves more attractive to potential mates, and even the cultural products that stimulate our imaginations (such as art, music, and religion). The book demonstrates that most acts of consumption can be mapped onto four key Darwinian drives-namely, survival (we prefer foods high in calories); reproduction (we use products as sexual signals); kin selection (we naturally exchange gifts with family members); and reciprocal altruism (we enjoy offering gifts to close friends). The author further highlights the analogous behaviors that exist between human consumers and a wide range of animals.For anyone interested in the biological basis of human behavior or simply in what makes consumers tick-marketing professionals, advertisers, psychology mavens, and consumers themselves-this is a fascinating read.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 06/21/2011
ISBN: 9781616144296
Pages: 392
Weight: 1.48lbs
Size: 9.13h x 6.35w x 1.10d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 04/18/2011
Library Journal 05/01/2011 pg. 94
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2011
Booklist 06/01/2011 pg. 8
Choice 12/01/2011
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2011 pg. 78