Children and teenagers now have more money at their disposal and influence family spending. Formal and informal consumer education is essential to enable them to function appropriately in the marketplace. (SK)

Under current policies, cell phone consumers face a lower probability of finding the best carrier for their usage patterns than winning at roulette. Corroborating survey data consistently show significant dissatisfaction among cell phone users, network performance is a major issue, and customer "churn" is high. This problem may be traced to a new…

Several recent studies indicate that cheating has become both more prevalent and more socially acceptable. In this article I draw parallels between market values and student attitudes about cheating. They include: (1) reduction of a broad range of goods to their economic value, (2) use of non-reciprocity as a guiding principle, (3) valuing the…

The four articles in this journal issue examine the pros and cons of the proposition that credit card rates are too high. In "How Congress and Consumers Will Crack the Credit Card Market," Congressman Charles E. Schumer argues that banks can get away with their excessive rates because of consumer misinformation and the unfair competitive edge held…

Discussion of the trend of increasing journal prices includes an examination of possible reasons for such price increases and methods by which libraries may alleviate this trend through consumer awareness and competitive market techniques. (CLB)

Argues that the major studies supporting the Principle of Relative Constancy in consumption of mass communication products were statistically defective. Presents updated tests of data suggesting that the principle is actually of doubtful predictive value. (MS)

Explains that guiding students to identify connotations of names chosen for fragrances can have a two-fold purpose: first, students may become more discriminating consumers; second, they may experience the sheer joy of language play, which produces a genuine and continuing interest in the operation of language. (EL)

Discusses the experiences of several consumer educators and shows how they sometimes are exposed to serious pressure by persons and organizations in the business community, pressure that represents a threat to academic freedom and integrity. (JOW)

The use of chewing and dipping tobacco is increasing, especially among young male athletes and high school and college students. Scientific evidence indicates that dipping and chewing are potentially harmful to health. Health educators should take a public stance against advertising campaigns aimed at young people. (JN)

Consumer and homemaking education is a valuable preventive measure for society because it prepares individuals for their roles as adults and community members. (JOW)

The organization of a consumer constituency and the pros and cons of a local government/consumer alliance to check the power of health care providers are discussed. It is held that enhanced technical capability and access to expertise will allow consumers and providers to work together toward making responsible decisions. (Author/GC)

A four-phase plan for delivering consumer education from a global perspective involves teachers in gaining familiarity with (1) the conventional approach to consumer education; (2) the cultures of globalization, capitalism, and consumerism; (3) the global perspective; and (4) integration of the three to create a global curriculum. (Contains 50…

Focuses on the technical difficulties of manufacturing and marketing compact disc recorders such as firmware, disc quality; disc readability, buffers, and host system configuration. Also discusses why the marketplace lacks dependable information: few manufacturers take responsibility for technical problems; varying geographic locations of…

Calls for consumer initiated education concerning environmentally ethical buying decisions. Presents a historical depiction of American Consumerism associated with food consumption, marketing strategies, fads, the environmental movement, and American buying habits. Discusses government definitions and ensuing ambiguity of product terminology. (MCO)

There is a need for a stronger program of consumer studies in California's schools, and each year this need becomes more pressing. It is a confusing time for the American consumers; complex products are frequently hard to evaluate, and the nature of the marketplace is impersonal. According to a study released by the U.S. Office of Education, more…