How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole

An Eye-Opening Look at the Devastating Impact of Market Fundamentalism

In his thought-provoking and critically acclaimed book, Dominic Pettman exposes the insidious ways in which market fundamentalism is corrupting our children, infantilizing adults, and threatening the very fabric of our society.

Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole

by Benjamin R. Barber

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages

FREE

The Corruption of Children

Pettman argues that market forces are eroding the innocence and well-being of children. The relentless pursuit of profit has led to a commodification of childhood, where children are seen as consumers to be exploited rather than individuals to be cherished.

Toxified advertising campaigns target children from an early age, manipulating their vulnerabilities and instilling a sense of consumer entitlement. The result is a generation of children who are increasingly self-centered, materialistic, and disconnected from their true needs.

Schools, once bastions of learning, are now beholden to market forces, forced to prioritize standardized testing and vocational skills over critical thinking and creativity. This narrow focus stifles children's imaginations and undermines their ability to develop into well-rounded individuals.

The Infantilization of Adults

As market fundamentalism takes hold, adults are increasingly treated like children. The relentless bombardment of advertising creates a perpetual sense of inadequacy, leading to a constant search for external validation and a fear of missing out.

Social media platforms exploit this vulnerability, encouraging us to share our innermost thoughts and experiences in exchange for likes, comments, and followers. This creates a culture of narcissism and a constant need for attention, infantilizing adults and making them easy prey for manipulative marketing tactics.

The Swallowing of Citizens

The insatiable appetite of the market extends far beyond children and adults. Pettman warns that market fundamentalism is gradually swallowing up the very democratic institutions we rely on to protect our rights and freedoms.

Corporate power has become so concentrated that it now exerts undue influence over governments and policymaking. Elected officials are beholden to corporate donors, leading to laws that prioritize the profits of the few over the well-being of the many.

The result is a growing inequality, social unrest, and a erosion of public trust in government. As markets supplant democratic institutions, we risk becoming mere subjects of corporate power, with our citizenship rights and aspirations reduced to nothing more than a commodity.

A Path to Reclaiming Our Humanity

Pettman's analysis is both sobering and alarming. However, he does not offer a despairing view of the future. Instead, he outlines a path to reclaiming our humanity and resisting the corrosive effects of market fundamentalism.

He calls for a reorientation of our values away from consumerism and towards community, compassion, and sustainability. He urges us to support institutions that promote critical thinking, protect children, and empower citizens.

Pettman's book is a wake-up call for all who care about the future of our children, our society, and ourselves. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true extent of market fundamentalism's destructive power and take action to create a more just and humane world.

Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole

by Benjamin R. Barber

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	417 pages

FREE