*Work, Consumerism and the New Poor* (Collector's Edition) by Zygmunt Bauman (UK) - History and Culture Books Top 10 Bestsellers This Week, No. 8

◎ How do our lifestyles create the new poor? A cautionary work by renowned sociologist and thinker Zygmunt Bauman, deciphering the poverty myth under consumerism.

◎ In contemporary times, perhaps the only thing people can do is accept that this is a consumer society, but remaining vigilant always leaves room for resistance.

◎ Douban Annual Reading List, Zhihu Annual Booklist Top Spot, China Reading News Annual Top 100 Books, FT Chinese Annual Business Booklist Top Spot, DuoZhuaYu Annual Fresh Fish List, National Independent Bookstores Joint Recommendation.

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【About the Book】

Poverty is one thing in a society of producers and universal employment. It is another thing in a consumer society. In the latter, life projects are built around consumer choice, not around work or professional skills. "Poverty" was once linked to unemployment; today, it primarily refers to the predicament of defective consumers. This difference changes the way poverty is experienced and has a significant impact on the salvation of suffering. This work by renowned sociologist and thinker Bauman reflects on and discusses consumer society and its effects. In this book, Bauman traces this change throughout modern history, takes stock of its social consequences, and considers the effectiveness of various ways to combat poverty and alleviate hardship.

Researchers in sociology, political science, and social policy will find this to be an invaluable book about a persistent social problem whose meaning is constantly changing.

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【Recommendations from Celebrities and Media】

Marx would weep after reading this book.

—— "Economic Observer · Book Review Supplement"

Reading Bauman is always an intense experience. While he doesn't relentlessly criticize consumer society like the late Jean Baudrillard or the younger Naomi Klein, his clear and profound explanations constantly heighten our unease.

—— "Caijing National Weekly"

People are generally trapped in the difficulties of housing, cars, and child-rearing. This is due not only to the lack of government public welfare but also to the deeper consumption patterns of modern society. Bauman recognizes the problem and tries to provide a difficult answer.

—— "First Financial Daily"

A book that deeply explores the nature of change and discusses our current transition from a "producer society" to a "consumer society."

—— Netease Reading Channel

You and I could both be the "new poor" he defines in contemporary times.

—— Huxiu

In the eyes of many, Bauman is a moral strong voice speaking out for the poor and exploited in the trend of globalization. Whether his works are about the Holocaust or globalization, his focus has always been on how humanity can create a dignified life through ethical decisions.

—— Jiemian News

People always praise Bauman as a prophet of post-modern society. In fact, his theoretical construction is entirely based on sensitivities arising from his personal circumstances: he inherently lacked a sense of belonging, and a fluid, consumerist world where everything solid was collapsing was arriving, increasing his anxiety daily.

—— "Southern People Weekly"