nations as compared to the less selfish capitalism pursued in mainland Europe. James asserted that societies can remove the negative consumerist effects by pursuing real needs over perceived wants, and by defining themselves as having value independent of their material possessions. Clive Hamilton and Richard Denniss's book, Affluenza: When Too Much is Never Enough, poses the question: "If the economy has been doing so well, why are we not becoming happier?" They argue that affluenza causes overconsumption, "luxury fever", consumer debt, overwork, waste, and harm to the environment. These pressures lead to "psychological disorders, alienation and distress", causing people to "self-medicate with mood-altering drugs and excessive alcohol consumption". They note that a number of Australians have reacted by "downshifting"—they decided to "reduce their incomes and place family, friends and contentment above money in determining their life goals". Their critique leads them to identify the need for an "alternative political philosophy", and the book concludes with a "political manifesto for wellbeing". See also References Further reading The Circle of Simplicity, Cecile Andrews, The Golden Ghetto: The Psychology of Affluence, Jessie H. O'Neill, Voluntary Simplicity, Duane Elgin, How Much Is Too Much? Raising Likeable, Responsible, Respectful Children-From Toddler to Teens-In an Age of Overindulgence, Clarke, Jean Illsley, Bredehoft, David & Dawson, Connie, External links Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year Winners: Affluenza The Affluenza Project Affluenza issues in the USA Affluenza video Anti-corporate activism Economic problems Wealth Popularity Neologisms Wealth in the United States Criminal defenses Social privilege Social status Social problems in medicine 1950s neologisms