In this special series of programmes on consumerism, the BBC World Service travels the world to uncover how we spend, what we spend and why we spend. Is it true that we now equate personal happiness with material possessions? And, if so, who is responsible for promoting this way of thinking?

The Psychology of Consumerism compares consumer trends around the globe and explains what they can tell us about the mindsets of different countries - taking an in-depth look into the various issues, we hear about how consumerism can become a political statement, how new shoppers cope with a developing economy, and what affect it has had on the divide between rich and poor.

Sell, Sell, Sell finds out what goes into making a successful marketing campaign. How do agencies manipulate the public in order to convince them what to buy and why?

Each year billions of pounds are spent on advertising in an attempt to influence our decisions and to persuade us to spend more.

In a series of discussion programmes, the BBC talks to a wealth of experts including advertising agencies, market researchers, designers and psychologists from all around the world - finding out why advertising is such a massive global business.