The Affluent Society (book)

"The Affluent Society" by economist John Kenneth Galbraith analyzes how post-World War II America experienced unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. Galbraith argues that society's focus shifted from producing goods and services for essential needs to catering to consumer desires and luxury, leading to excess wealth and materialism. He highlights the imbalance between the wealthy, who have money to spend, and the public sector, like education and infrastructure, which remains underfunded. The book encourages rethinking economic priorities to ensure that prosperity benefits everyone and that public services are improved alongside private wealth.