Abstract
A new course of study will start in 2002, and the new subject called ”the period for integrated study” will start at the same time. But there are no terms for ”consumption”, ”consumer”, and ”consumer education” in it. Furthermore the content of ”life and consumption” that has been
most related to consumer education in ”life environment study” will be eliminated from the new course of study.
In light of the above circumstances, the purpose of this paper is to make clear the importance of consumer education and the place for it's practice in the new course of study. First, the importance of using the terms ”consumption” and ”consumer” in developed countries such as Japan is demonstrated. Second, the significance of consumer education for ”sustainable consumption” is explained. Third, the role of the non―profit sector in life-long education, and the role of home economics education in formal education is pointed out. Finally, I conclude that consumer education is important from the global view point, and how it involves a possibility of a counter power to modern formal education.
