Suggesting that a major socioeconomic transformation is underway in American society, this paper discusses seven elements of an emergent post-affluent society: (1) the demographic effects of the "baby boom" generation; (2) the emergence and recognition of a post-affluent consciousness; (3) the recognition of the transcendental nature of many wants and needs; (4) the related reforms in households and workplaces; (5) transformation in sex roles toward an androgynous culture; (6) continuing discontent with unequal distribution of income; and (7) patterns of uncertainty and indecision among large-scale organizations including the federal government and Fortune 500 corporations. The results of this transformation may depend on the success of Theory Z and the achievement of a new"System Z," which will be dependent upon, and dominated by, information-intensive technologies. Effective education and training will be essential to the achievement of greater productivity and a new prosperity. It is also suggested that the emergence of a new "high tech" society is partially responsible for the post-modernist movement in architecture and the arts and may influence the design and content of educational facilities as well. (TE)