How did industrialization drive the development of consumer rights and protections in the USA? How have these laws defended consumers against business fraud, deceptive advertising, industrial pollution, and unsafe or unethical practices? Why have opinions about the value of consumer rights and the need for business regulation become so politically polarizing? Which activists, laws, events, and agencies have had the greatest impact on consumer rights? This all-in-one resource answers these questions and many more, providing readers with insights into the past, present, and possible futures of consumer rights in America.
The book's opening chapters explore the history and evolution of consumer rights, paying particular attention to the laws and arguments upon which those protections were built and hold continued importance. Later chapters explore how consumer rights have evolved in specific industries, including food and beverage; cosmetics; health care and pharmaceutical; transportation; and banking and finance. Together, this coverage provides a wide-ranging resource for understanding the state of consumer protection and business regulation in the 21st century.