Title
Purchasing Power: Black Kids and American Consumer Culture,New
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What does it mean to be young, poor, and black in our consumer culture? Are black children 'brandcrazed consumer addicts' willing to kill each other over a pair of the latest Nike Air Jordans or Barbie backpack? In this first indepth account of the consumer lives of poor and workingclass black children, Elizabeth Chin enters the world of children living in hardship in order to understand the ways they learn to manage living poor in a wealthy society.To move beyond the stereotypical images of black children obsessed with status symbols, Chin spent two years interviewing poor children in New Haven, Connecticut, about where and how they spend their money. An alternate image of the children emerges, one that puts practicality ahead of status in their purchasing decisions. On a twentydollar shopping spree with Chin, one boy has to choose between a walkietalkie set and an XMen figure. In one of the most painful moments of her research, Chin watches as Davy struggles with his decision. He finally takes the walkietalkie set, a toy that might be shared with his younger brother.Through personal anecdotes and compelling stories ranging from topics such as Christmas and birthday gifts, shopping malls, ToysRUs, neighborhood convenience shops, school lunches, ethnically correct toys, and school supplies, Chin critically examines consumption as a medium through which social inequalities most notably of race, class, and gender are formed, experienced, imposed, and resisted. Along the way she acknowledges the profound constraints under which the poor and working class must struggle in their daily lives.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has two hundred eighty pages. It provides a comprehensive exploration of consumer culture among black children.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and portable for easy reading.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Elizabeth Chin. She conducts in-depth research on consumer behavior among underprivileged children.
- Q: What themes does this book cover? A: The book covers themes of race, class, and gender. It examines how these factors shape the consumer experiences of black children.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: Yes, this book is suitable for young readers. It addresses important social issues in an accessible way.
- Q: What age group is this book intended for? A: The book is intended for young adults and older. It contains complex themes suitable for mature readers.
- Q: How should I care for this paperback book? A: To care for this paperback book, keep it in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This helps maintain its condition.
- Q: Can this book be read by children? A: Yes, children can read this book with guidance. The themes may require adult context for full understanding.
- Q: What is the best way to store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf. This prevents bending and keeps it in good condition.
- Q: How does this book compare to other books on consumer behavior? A: This book provides a unique perspective on consumer behavior among black children. It focuses on their lived experiences rather than market trends.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for academic studies? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for academic studies. It offers valuable insights for sociology and cultural studies.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: Does the book include any illustrations? A: No, this book does not include illustrations. It focuses on textual analysis and storytelling.
- Q: How do I find more books like this one? A: To find more books like this one, check the publisher's catalog or look for similar themes in sociology and cultural studies.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point eight seven inches in length, zero point seven nine inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is not part of a series. It stands alone as an individual study on consumer culture.