Consumerism and the welfare state
This article is quite interesting, particularly since i come from a consumerism-crazed country but am living in a welfare-state society. i've often wondered about the societal effects of people constantly shopping for the cheapest things. true, america is certainly not a welfare state, but i think it's a relevant article anyway.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,445365,00.html