The Consuming Instinct

What Juicy Burgers, Ferraris, Pornography, and Gift Giving Reveal About Human Nature

By: Gad Saad, David M. Buss (Foreword by)

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Hardcover | 21 June 2011 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
374 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23 x 15 x 3

Hardcover

RRP $47.99

$43.75

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In this highly informative and entertaining book, the founder of the vibrant new field of evolutionary consumption illuminates the relevance of our biological heritage to our daily lives as consumers. While culture is important, the author shows that innate evolutionary forces deeply influence the foods we eat, the gifts we offer, the cosmetics and clothing styles we choose to make ourselves more attractive to potential mates, and even the cultural products that stimulate our imaginations (such as art, music, and religion).

The book demonstrates that most acts of consumption can be mapped onto four key Darwinian drives-namely, survival (we prefer foods high in calories); reproduction (we use products as sexual signals); kin selection (we naturally exchange gifts with family members); and reciprocal altruism (we enjoy offering gifts to close friends). The author further highlights the analogous behaviors that exist between human consumers and a wide range of animals.

For anyone interested in the biological basis of human behavior or simply in what makes consumers tick-marketing professionals, advertisers, psychology mavens, and consumers themselves-this is a fascinating read.

Industry Reviews

""Saad gets behind the obvious and provides surprising Darwinian evidence for our choices." -Psychology Today"...will appeal to readers interested in the biological basis of human behavior, the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, and especially what makes consumers tick.... clearly essential for marketing professionals, advertisers, and psychologists..." -Library Journal"Covering everything from pornography to Wall Street, this thought-provoking title induces readers to take a deep look at how they live." -Booklist

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