Focusing on the historical emergence of modern consumer lending, the book explores its development in both America and France. It examines the social, economic, and cultural factors that influenced the rise of consumer credit, providing insights into how lending practices evolved and shaped consumer behavior in these two countries. Through detailed analysis, it highlights the interconnectedness of financial systems and the impact of consumer lending on society.
The unfettered marketplace, characterized by uncertainty and the principle of caveat emptor ('let the buyer beware'), has largely vanished. Consumers are now at the center of extensive economic policies aimed at shielding them from market risks and disappointments. In advanced industrial countries, no other economic actor enjoys as comprehensive a set of legal and institutional protections as the modern consumer when shopping. Gunnar Trumbull explores the origins of national consumer protection systems in France and Germany, where, in the early 1970s, consumer groups and producers collaborated to shape the identity and interests of the affluent consumer. By examining eight policy areas—product liability, safety standards, misleading advertising, comparative tests, labeling, quality standards, consumer contracts, and pricing—Trumbull reveals the emergence of differing conceptions of consumer interests in both countries. This divergence led to the establishment of unique national consumption regimes, which have influenced domestic producers' market strategies. His findings shed light on national responses to recent product crises, such as BSE and genetically modified foods, suggesting that in consumer capitalism, national competitiveness may depend not only on labor and capital but also on the institutional frameworks governing consumption.
What Managers, Executives, and Students Need to Know
224pages
8 heures de lecture
Navigating the complexities of climate change is essential for modern business leaders, especially as over 100 nations commit to net-zero emissions by 2050. This guidebook by Harvard Business School professor Gunnar Trumbull provides crucial insights into the science, economics, and policies surrounding climate change. It addresses key questions such as the causes of climate change, measurement of climate impact, and effective corporate emissions targets. With its clear, data-rich chapters, this resource serves as both a comprehensive overview and a practical reference for managers facing climate-related challenges.
