Harold Wilhite is Associate Professor at the University of Oslo's Centre for Development and Environment, Norway. He has carried out anthropological research in several regions of the World, including the USA, Norway, Japan and India. He has published on consumption, development and sustainable energy use.

'Critical to the future of the planet is a better understanding of how populations, which are just entering the world of mass consumption, make changes that radically effect energy use and the environment. This book fully achieves this goal by focusing upon changes in the social conventions of everyday life, their causes and their consequences. The book shines a light on the places we need to examine if we really want to appreciate both the causes and consequences of modern consumption.' Professor Daniel Miller, University College London.

• Introduction Global Interchange and Modernising Reforms Women in a Bind: the Crucible of Marriage and Dowry The Modern Housewife Exercising the Extended Family Work Migration Material, Discursive and Performative Contributions to Consumption Frictionless Political and Religious Ideologies Television: 'Everyone is Watching' Conclusion