Something puzzling yet profound is occurring in consumer-driven societies: an increasing number of individuals from all walks of life are pursuing lower consumption practices and embracing simpler lifestyles. They are ‘getting a life’ and ‘escaping the rat race’. This growing inclination toward simpler lifestyles or downshifting is part of a larger shift in societal values, attitudes, and the notion of what constitutes success and happiness. This distinctive book constitutes a collection of readings that examines and exposes the various approaches and practices of downshifting. Eleven theoretical and empirical chapters written by prolific writers and distinguished scholars from around the world offer theoretical and practical lenses on the downshifting phenomenon. This book on downshifting is an invaluable resource and instrument for researchers, consultants, executives, and social science students.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Franco Gandolfi
Dr. Franco Gandolfi is an Associate Professor of Management in the Department of Business Administration at Cedarville University, USA. He holds undergraduate degrees in commerce and education, two Masters degrees in commerce and adult education from the University of Sydney, Australia, and a DBA by research from Southern Cross University, Australia. Prior to his position at Cedarville University, Dr. Gandolfi spent four years as the Dean of the Faculty of Business & Law and as an Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at Central Queensland University, Sydney, Australia. He specializes in international management, human resources management, and change management. He is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) and regularly advises corporations in the areas of change management in Australia and Switzerland. Dr. Gandolfi’s most recent publications have focused primarily upon the phenomenon of workforce downsizing. His research findings have been showcased at various international management and change management conferences. Most recently, Dr. Gandolfi has been named to the shortlist HR judging panel for the prestigious Australian HR Awards 2005, the third consecutive year he has received this honor. Dr. Gandolfi’s research work has been published in reputable international journals, including The Australasian Journal of Business and Social Inquiry, International Journal of Enterprise and Management Development, International Journal of Innovation and Learning, Sasin Journal of Management, and Contemporary Management Research. He regularly contributes to HR Monthly and the Australian Human Resources Magazine. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Gandolfi held various senior management and consulting positions, including leading positions at Novartis, Roche, Credit Suisse, UBS Bank, and PAX Insurances in Switzerland. He is also a retired first-lieutenant in the Swiss Army Forces.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Helene Cherrier
Helene Cherrier (Ph.D. University of Arkansas, USA) is currently an associate professor at Luiss Guido Carli University, Rome, Italy. Previously, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia and as a senior lecturer at Westminster University, London, UK. Her research interests embrace radical changes in consumption lifestyles, social and environmental activism, appropriation and reconfiguration of consumer meanings, symbols, and usage, identity politics, and the role of consumption in identity construction. She has published work on downshifting and resistance to consumption in the Journal of Business Research, Consumption, Markets & Culture, the European Journal of Marketing, the Journal of Marketing Management, the International Journal of Consumer Studies, Advances in Consumer Research, and contributed to Harrison, Newholm, and Shaw's edited book: "The ethical consumer." Dr Cherrier is a member of the Academy of Consumer Research (Asian/European/American), the Academy of Marketing, the International Society of Quality of Life Studies, and the Academy of World Business Marketing and Management Development. Prior to her position at Sydney University, Dr Cherrier spent two years as a Senior Lecturer at Westminster University, London, United Kingdom. Her interest in downshifting consumption practices and simple living emerged from observing and participating in anti-consumption events during her years in France, Belgium, American, United Kingdom and Australia.
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