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Literacy is a continuous, multidimensional indicator of proficiency in using written language. This essay reviews several recent books on literacy, and suggests some profound theoretical issues about consumer behavior inspired by a sociocultural perspective on literacy. In particular, ties between literacy and six diverse research programs on consumer behavior are highlighted: responses to persuasion; affect and decision making; the meanings of products and brands; social marketing of health behaviors; consumption, identity, and resistance; and the impact of the internet on consumer behavior. In addition, questions both interesting and troubling about the impact of consumption on literacy are raised in the hope of encouraging future research. (Abstract taken from JSTOR.)

Thaler discusses the "financial literacy crisis" facing most Americans. Today, a record number of Americans are inept when it comes to financial literacy and as a result accumulate large sums of debt and fail to plan for the future. The author explains that Americans get into trouble because current financial systems such as credit cards are not user-friendly. To counter this escalating problem, researchers believe financial programs should be created that provide consumers with basic financial knowledge and assist them in making good choices. Finally, parents must begin teaching financial literacy to their children at a young age and not keep the subject a private matter. Thaler's argument that new financial programs should be created is logical given the current crisis situation he identifies, but he fails to outline a way to do so. Norvilitis, Jill, Michelle Merwin, Timothy Osberg, Patricia Roehling, Paul Young, and Michele Kamas. " Personaility Factors, Money Attitueds, Financial Knowledge, and Credit-Card Debt in College Students." Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 36.6: 1395-1414. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO Roeschh Lib., U of Dayton. 17 March. 2009

The idea of media literacy prompts an increasingly divisive debate between educators who wish to protect children from the commercialization of global markets and those who challenge critical media studies as misguided, outdated, and ineffective. We have provided a historical overview of changing conceptions of media literacy as preparation and protection in market society, arguing that contemporary concerns about children's fast food marketing and sedentary lifestyles call for new approaches to the education of citizen-consumers in a risk society. Our case study demonstrates that a media education programme can provide scaffolding for children's critical thinking about their sedentary lifestyles and media consumption. (Abstract taken from JSTOR.)

This article focuses on the financial education of American consumers. The researchers have labeled Americans as having excess debt, poor retirement planning and insufficient savings. They believe one answer to the financial problems facing Americans has to do with the amount of financial information available. In some cases credit cards provide too much information and technical terms which may confuse the consumer. On the other hand when there is too little information the consumer may not be able to make proper choices.

A 20 page survey on the impact of financial literacy classes and survey results. The surveyor examines results from every state and uses many detailed questions. His surveys included results by race, gender, and location along with many others. The stastics are starteling and valuable for research on financial literacy.

A film available on OhioLINK. TV and radio commercials, Web sites and banner ads, magazine ads, pop songs, photos, and even news articles and textbooks: all of them are sending messages to influence the reader/viewer/listener. How do they grab the attention? What are they selling-a product or service? a lifestyle? an ideology?-and why? Would a different media consumer interpret the message differently? This program raises more questions than it answers, which is the whole point: to prompt students to question, question, question the messages they are bombarded with daily. Savvy media consumers aren't born; they're made, and this program is an excellent tool for shaping the classroom dialogue. (35 minutes)

Today's consumers are faced with difficult financial decisions everyday. Making the wrong choice could cost someone their savings or their home. By becoming financially literate people decrease the risk that they will become victims of financial mistakes such as aquiring excessive debt or associating with predatory lenders. Many families have only one spouse take care of all the finances and this could lead to problems should that spouse die.

The source takes a firm stand on the debated issue concerning a regulated or unregulated market. The position taken is in support of an unregulated market as long everyone can make fully informed decisions in it. This source can be used to show that education can act in place of regulation and form a stronger economy.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

This is an article in the Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges that argues the point that the majority of students possess basic computing skills, e.g., WWW, email, search engines (Google), instant messaging, etc., but this knowledge is not founded upon the technology itself; rather, students are mere consumers who learn to use such technologies only because they possess meaningful functionality.

This article, available in PDF format through EBSCO, discusses the problem of "financial aliteracy." Most Americans have limited knowledge of strategies for saving and investing. This is a timely topic, given the current problems on Wall Street.