Affluenza
how overconsumption is killing us-- and how we can fight back
Overview of Affluenza
"Affluenza" diagnoses our epidemic of overconsumption - a disease of debt, anxiety, and waste. Endorsed by universities nationwide and praised by the Detroit Free Press, this eye-opening manifesto asks: Why do 86% of Americans who consume less report being happier?
Key Themes in Affluenza
- conspicuous consumption
- materialistic addiction
- voluntary simplicity
- consumerist culture
- wealth gap anxiety
Quotes from Affluenza
We've created a society where even too much is never enough.
Stress is 'the new tobacco.'
Shopping centers have replaced churches as cultural centers.
Americans have become a nation drowning in stuff.
Affluenza manifests as acute stress.
Characters in Affluenza
- John de GraafLead author and documentary filmmaker
- David WannCo-author and expert on sustainable lifestyles
- Thomas NaylorCo-author and professor of economics
- Juliet SchorHarvard economist studying consumer trends
- Stefano BartoliniItalian economist analyzing consumption and stress
About the Author
About the Author of Affluenza
John De Graaf, David Wann, and Thomas Naylor are the co-authors of Affluenza: How Overconsumption Is Killing Us—and How to Fight Back, a seminal critique of consumer culture blending environmental science, economics, and social commentary.
De Graaf, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, first popularized the term through his 1996 PBS film Affluenza, establishing his expertise in sustainability and media advocacy.
Wann, an environmental scientist and co-founder of the Harmony Village co-housing community, brings decades of hands-on experience in sustainable design, reflected in his book The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living.
Naylor, a Duke University economics professor emeritus and founder of the Second Vermont Republic movement, contributed rigorous academic analysis on systemic economic flaws. Together, their multidisciplinary approach has shaped global conversations on materialism and ecological responsibility. The third edition of Affluenza (2014) remains a cornerstone text in sustainability education, translated into multiple languages and cited in academic curricula worldwide.
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FAQs About This Book
Affluenza critiques modern consumerism’s societal, environmental, and psychological costs, framing overconsumption as a contagious "disease." John de Graaf examines how materialism erodes happiness, strains relationships, and fuels ecological damage, while offering solutions like voluntary simplicity and policy reforms to curb unsustainable habits.
This book suits readers seeking to understand consumerism’s harms, including sustainability advocates, mental health professionals, and policymakers. It’s also recommended for students studying environmental science, sociology, or economics, as it blends research with actionable strategies for reducing overconsumption.
Yes—it’s a seminal work translated into multiple languages and used in academic curricula. The book combines data, case studies, and practical advice, making it valuable for anyone grappling with consumer culture’s impact on well-being or the planet.
Key concepts include:
- Affluenza as a social disease: Linking consumerism to anxiety, debt, and environmental decay
- Time poverty: Overwork and materialism reducing life satisfaction
- Solutions: Advocating for policy changes (shorter workweeks), community-building, and mindful consumption
The book argues that beyond basic needs, increased consumption correlates with diminished happiness due to stress, debt, and reduced leisure time. It cites studies showing materialism’s toll on mental health and social connections.
De Graaf highlights resource depletion, pollution, and climate change driven by excessive production and waste. The book warns that unchecked consumerism threatens ecosystems and future generations’ survival.
Unlike purely philosophical critiques, Affluenza blends activism, science, and storytelling. It expands on the original Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic (2001) by emphasizing contemporary case studies and systemic solutions, distinguishing it from works like The High Price of Materialism.
- Personal: Adopt minimalism, prioritize experiences over possessions
- Policy: Advocate for carbon taxes, advertising regulations, and GDP alternatives like the Genuine Progress Indicator
- Community: Support local economies and time-banking systems
- “Affluenza is a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, and waste.”
- “We’re trading our lives for stuff—and it’s not making us happier.”
As a documentary filmmaker and environmental activist, de Graaf uses visual storytelling techniques and real-world examples (e.g., 2008 recession) to make systemic issues accessible. His focus on measurable societal well-being over GDP growth reflects decades of advocacy.
Some argue it oversimplifies economic drivers of consumerism or underemphasizes corporate accountability. However, its accessible style and actionable frameworks are widely praised for inspiring individual and collective change.
With climate crises intensifying and mental health declining globally, the book’s warnings about consumption-driven growth remain urgent. Its proposals for shorter work hours and sustainable policies align with modern movements for degrowth and holistic well-being.
