The Moment and Place for a Special Issue

Abstract

These are more than interesting times. They are the times in which the ideology and practices of consumption have multiplied across the earth to levels of complexity, subtlety, and influence that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. The problems and challenges related to consumer behaviors today include, but are not restricted to, unhealthy eating, effective and safe use of the Internet, substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs), tobacco consumption, poor financial planning, aging and being elderly, disablements and impairments, indigence and illiteracy, education and socialization of young consumers, sexually transmitted diseases, and environmental deterioration. At the same time, many consumer behaviors support and enhance life. These include, but are not limited to, hobbies, exercise, festivals and celebrations, sustainable consumption behaviors (e.g., efficient water use, recycling), donations and communal consumption, and an array of artistic endeavors (e.g., music, painting). Over the years, unfortunately, the field of consumer research has generally underprioritized scholarship for alleviating problems and advancing opportunities of well-being. Related contributions from the Journal of Consumer Research ( JCR ) have been correspondingly irregular.