This course examines how United States became the quintessential consumer society, where citizens define ‘the good life' and a good political order through consumer abundance and a rising standard of living.The perspective is historical, tracing the origins of consumer culture to the colonial period.The course considers how the institutions and products of a mass-market economy have transformed American culture, ideals, and politics.It explores the ways men and women of various racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds have both resisted and embraced consumerism to make political demands and to articulate social identity.Readings will consider historical scholarship, critiques and defenses of consumer culture, and theoretical statements.There will be a special emphasis on clothing and fashion.