Audio: Oliver James debate on Affluenza, Today, BBC Radio 4, 24th January 2007, 0820

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"Can you be successful and stay sane? Affluenza, a new book by psychologist Oliver James, suggests not." Debate with Daniel Ben-Ami. Presenter reports James book claims to be "a global tour of infected minds". James notes prevalence of 'affluenza virus' among English speaking nations. People who focus on affluence miss psychological needs. Ben-Ami notes benefits of affluence, eg: increased life expectancy, decreased infant mortality. Presenter pushes discussion towards the well off rather than the poorest. Ben-Ami notes real consequences of attacking popular prosperity and affluence. James notes danger of putting _too high a value_ on affluence, and impact of seeing people as commodities on personal relationships. Argues for Danish-sytle solution of pushing children to what interests them rather than being "good little consumer-producers". Ben-Ami argues that James has a "bleak view of humanity", and that his argument is the "age old call of the conservatives to be happy with what you have got". James notes benefits of Danish short working week. Discussion around changing length of working week. James argues we should pay the average annual wage to families to ensure full-time parental care, to ensure we value our children.

• Web Address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/zwednesday_20070124.shtml
• Short Name: mixaroc
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• Tags: happiness, affluence, misanthropy, economic progress, pejorative language, social history, irc09, it industry
• Saved by Nico Macdonald on January 24, 2007.
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