American society is more diverse than ever. Our national landscape has become an intricate mosaic of varying styles, self-expressions, and ways of life. Is there any pattern to this ever-shifting kaleidoscope of identities?
The author puts the pieces together into a coherent picture in this fascinating study of American diversity. Applying the astute pattern-recognition skills that he demonstrated in his previous book, the critically acclaimed
Anatomy of a Trend
, the author examines how we transform our identities into practical everyday living—into our lifestyle.
Going beyond the usual markers of identity—race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, income level, etc—he focuses on modes of communicating group identity nonverbally through consumer choices, clothing fashions, personal color choices, adornments, accessories, logos, signs, and symbols. Curiously, what emerges from his analysis is a pattern as ancient as human culture itself—a new form of tribalism. He foresees this trend continuing so that by the end of the twenty-first century there will be less identification with nation-states and ethnic groups and more small-group identification. As globalization and mass communication continue to link us together, we may all become so used to diversity that the idea of conflict based on national identity distinctions may seem antiquated.
A book of remarkable insights,
The Lifestyle Puzzle
will have great appeal to readers interested in popular culture, social change, and consumer tastes.