The language of credit and debt is almost ubiquitous in daily life. In advanced modern societies, financial institutions and other organizations have become increasingly active in lending money to consumers, and consumers apparently more than willing to take advantage. This groundbreaking new book offers an analysis of this important phenomenon, arguing that we have entered an era in which credit and debt are sanctioned, delivered and collected through new cultural and economic mechanisms. Written in an accessible and straightforward style, the book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, examining consumer credit and debt in both societal and economic contexts. It explores key topics such as: the historical context of credit and debt; current theories of a consumer-centred society; the credit industry; and, attempts at government regulation. "Credit and Consumer Society" establishes the wider analysis of consumer credit and debt as a discipline in its own right. It is important reading for students and researchers in business and management, finance, public policy and sociology, as well as for policy makers and consumer groups working directly in this field.