This paper assumes that contemporary Western society is a consumer society and argues that the need of global capitalism to sell its commodities in the market place is the fundamental force behind consumerism. A model of globalisation is discussed. In it, we see how the control of information technology means that producers have the power to educate, even indoctrinate, the general public about the need to continue purchasing commodities. The forces of global capitalism have infiltrated universities and have incorporated a great deal of adult education, so that it is necessary for traditional adult education to find a new way of counteracting the forces of consumerism. (Contains 2 figures and 2 notes.)