...MEANING OF CONSUMERISM Consumerism is a social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and services in ever-greater amounts. The term is often associated with criticisms of consumption starting with Torstein Veblen. Veblen's subject of examination, the newly emergent middle class arising at the turn of the twentieth century, comes to full fruition by the end of the twentieth century through the process of globalization. In this sense, consumerism is usually considered a part of media culture. Consumerism is also used to refer to the consumerists movement, consumer protection or consumer activism, which seeks to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety standards. In this sense it is a movement or a set of policies aimed at regulating the products, services, methods, and standards of manufacturers, sellers, and advertisers in the interests of the buyer. In economics, consumerism refers to economic policies placing emphasis on consumption. In an abstract sense, it is the belief that the free choice of consumers should dictate the economic structure of a society. It was first used in 1915 to refer to advocacy of the rights and interests of consumers but in this article the term consumerism refers to the sense first used in 1960, emphasis on or preoccupation with the acquisition of consumer goods (Oxford English Dictionary). DEVELOPMENT OF CONSUMERISM The development...
Words: 1866 - Pages: 8
...Consumerisms Effect Consumerisms Effect Consumerism is defined as, “the theory that an increasing consumption to goods is economically desirable; also: a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods” (“Consumerism,” n.d.). With this said, is consumerism healthy for anyone who is involved? From American cultures birth after the revolutionary war, this society has relished the flattery of consumerism. The search for wealth, material goods, and happiness has no boundaries in this society. Although some positive influences exist within consumerisms definition, a darker side to this phenomenon cannot be over looked. Consumerism reflects many negative human attributes and its increase is adversely affecting American culture, societal equalities, and the environment. Consumerism, in all its forms, has been around since the earliest times of American culture. From the earliest time of America, directly after the Revolutionary War, this attitude of need and want for material good and what was considered the best was very evident. One would think that during a life altering divide of nations the concept of consumerism would stop between them, but during this time, Americans still sought British goods. A high perceived value and thought pattern that these goods were of superior quality allowed these items to become a status symbol for early Americans. George Washington, weeks after signing a peace treaty with Britain, ordered a large...
Words: 2146 - Pages: 9
...Consumerism History of Consumerism Consumerism is a social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and services in an elevated amount. Consumerism as an ideology first appeared in Western Europe roughly three hundred years ago. It gave a rise in consumer’s need and importance to the display of material items. It promoted economic progress, a rise in small shops, an increase in the growth of cities, and an incline in individualism. A shift in the market hit right before the Industrial Revolution. Capitalist development and the industrial revolution focused on infrastructure and production and manipulation of fossil fuels. In 1919 consumerism began to sweep over the American population when General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) was established. The General Motors Acceptance Corporation mission was to issue loans to customers who had purchased a vehicle. Americans started the notion of “Keeping up with the joneses” which is the idea that Americans compare themselves to their neighbors, defining each stance in socio-cultural inferiority. With this new need for status with possessions was thought to be the beginning of the American consumer culture. Soon after The Great Depression and World War broke out. When the war-ceased consumers went wild, credit cards issued first for convince took off quickly to show status through the products each individual had. Consumerism gathered strength in the United States through internal trade growing, expansion...
Words: 3287 - Pages: 14
...Introduction The role of hyper-consumerism on culture as a source of control and power relations has been discussed by a variety of scholarly voices. Among the most prominent is Michel Foucault, who described the various ways that consumer markets circumscribe public spaces, placing important distinctions between class members. In particular, Foucault discusses heterotopia – the public space which carries both physical and psychological gravity. For Foucault, public spaces are characterized by existing without truly existing. The heterotopia serves as a metaphor for a larger context while having the appearance and characteristics of other everyday spaces. Tyndall takes this notion a step further by developing social rules that are attached to consumer places, such as malls and shopping districts (Tyndall, 2009). This version of consumer-driven rules – culled from qualitative research and personal interviews – depicts a new notion of public-ness that is less egalitarian than ever before. It is a version of public space that is not entirely open to the public. Baker adds to this perspective by historicizing the commercialization of public space, dating the use widespread use of public space for advertising purposes to before the dawn of the 20th century (Baker, 2007). This argument inextricably links the notion of “culture” with “consumerism”, and sets the stage for the potential for access to public spaces to be consumed, or purchased. Finally, Klingle underscores this...
Words: 1702 - Pages: 7
...While it is undeniable that every person is different and there are always plenty of exceptions to the norm, in many ways our modern society has become very similar to what Christopher Lasch predicted in The Culture of Narcissism. Unfortunately, it would be safe to say that some modern people are in a state that is extremely pre-occupied with the self. The idea of narcissism came from psychology and is mostly attributed to Sigmund Freud. It was considered to be an extreme preoccupation with the self that distorted ones relationship to reality. This resulted in an inability to make a clear distinction between themselves as the subject and what existed outside them. They were so focused on themselves that they lost awareness of the real beyond them. Because the narcissist does not recognize the separate existence of 'the other' they tend to use reality as a mirror to reflect messages back to the self. The other is there to impress, to be admired by, and to get pity from. The Narcissist is so identified with his/her needs that the other person is simply there to be available for them. In his book The Culture of Narcissism Christopher Larsch describes the Narcissistic personality, “the Narcissist can function in the everyday world - and is often very charming. However, his devaluation of others, together with a lack of curiosity about them impoverishes personal life. With little capacity for detachment the Narcissist must depend on others for constant infusions of approval...
Words: 1311 - Pages: 6
...exactly the topic of this thesis. The first part deals with Capitalism and the second one with consumerism. For most of us, American culture can’t be imagined without Capitalism, and it seems we got here on a way as determined as that of a tossed baseball. We are taught and come to believe that the head of the American economy is capitalist. It’s time to break out of that way of thinking. Let’s briefly think of the history of American Capitalism, only to get us out of this habit of thinking. When did American Capitalism begin? It is easy to forget that capitalism was born not so long ago, in the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution took place, and entrepreneurs were creating new industries and wealth. In other words, capitalism came to be a “big thing” once it was already there. Capitalism effects people and created a consumerist society. Consumerist societies live by the influence of advertisements, and often buy things they do not need, and in most cases, they cannot afford it. This, in turn, leads to greater economic inequality, consumerists have a feeling of unfulfilled due to spending a lot of money yet having nothing of personal importance. The American dilemma is the consistent belief that they can live beyond their resources. Finally in conclusion we can say that the thesis at the beginning can clearly be affirmed. Sources: Capitalism’s effect on society: Consumerism. (2009). Online: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~waldr20m/classweb/worldpolitics/consumerism.html...
Words: 325 - Pages: 2
...amount. Since buying habits began, a lot of people consciously sought and desire alternative lifestyle. These lifestyle ranges from moderate to simple living, eco-conscious shopping, and buying local to Freeganism on the extreme and exaggerated end. In critical view, consumerism is describe as a tendency for people to strongly acknowledge and identify the service or products they consume through commercial brand name and the status-symbolism of that certain brand. Buying habits can be taken to exaggeration such that consumers make significant sacrifices in time and in income not only to purchase that certain brand but to also actively support that certain luxury brand. Buying habits has become part of people’s daily lives especially in this modern civilization. People of this modern generation get influenced easily. Billboards, commercials and advertisements are connected to influencing people to buy. The advancement in technology causes consumers to extend their buying of the latest products to an extent where it is considered as over consumption. This study wants to identify the impacts of buying habits to the lifestyle of grade 10 students. It aims to provide possible solutions to the negative impacts of consumerism. III. Statement of the problem These are some questions that are about the issue of buying habits on the lifestyle of grade 10 students of Mary Help of Christians College. This study will specifically focus on...
Words: 2996 - Pages: 12
...Assignment 02 Essay Plan: Introduction: * Outline what intend to explore in essay * Description of a consumer society. Part 1 * What is consumerism * Mass consumption origins – include quote from R Williams * Affluence * Supermarket contribution to consumerism Part 2 * Outline the impact of rubbish / wastage on environment – include statistics from reports shown in Making Social Lives text book. * Explain what unsustainability means and how does it refer to rubbish. * What is recycling and its role * Other ways to use rubbish i.e. charity shops, used as art Conclusion * Conclude whether society is a throwaway society. Explore the claim that a consumer society is always a ‘throw-away’ society. In this essay I will attempt to explore the claim stated above that a consumer society is always a ‘throw-away’ society and find examples to support this. Before beginning to explore the claim stated above, it is important to understand what is meant by a ‘consumer society’. Many social scientists state that we live in times of a consumer which means “a label use to refer to a society which is defined as much by how and what people purchase and use, as by what they make or do.” (Hetherington, 2009, p.13). Consumerism is a form of socialisation evolving from the Industrial Revolution and it has continued to evolve through the decades to the present day. With so many produces being so readily available it seems there are a number of...
Words: 1461 - Pages: 6
...Hidden Worldviews: Chapter 3 Consumerism Chapter three of Hidden Worldviews by Steve Wilkens and Mark L. Sanford is about consumerism and the fine line between consuming things the way we should through Scripture and using much more than we actually need, making us consumers. At the most basic level, we all must consumer things. It unavoidable to not eat, drink, wear or live all must come from nature. That is any form of biological life. Humans however are more than this and must fulfill our social, educational, cultural and spiritual needs and desires. This requires natural resources to a degree. It is impossible to say that the consumption that makes life possible is bad. Beyond this though, it is clear that we must consume things to preserve and enhance our lives, but there is also the danger that responsible consumption will degenerate into consumerism. Consumerism is “a worldview that starts wit something that is a relative good-consumption- and makes it an absolute good” (Wilkens & Sanford pg. 45). Those that are consumers believe that we can find fulfillment by accumulating wealth and everything that comes with it. Although a consumerist “worldview is that almost non one will admit that they believe that salvation can be found by acquiring and using things” (Wilkens & Sanford pg. 45). We use way more than we actually need but why do we do this? They proceed to explain reasons why we continue to se more than we need. We all desire fulfilling and satisfying lives...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...The Attitude of Youth Populations toward Globalization What exactly are the youth views on globalization? First let’s start by defining globalization. Globalization refers to increasing global connectivity, integration and interdependence in the economic, social, technological, cultural, political, and ecological spheres. Globalization is an umbrella term and is perhaps best understood as a unitary process inclusive of many subprocesses that are increasingly binding people and the biosphere more tightly into one global system (Wikipedia, 2007). Next let’s verify the term youth. Youth is "The time of life when one is young; especially: a: the period between childhood and maturity b: the early period of existence, growth, or development" (Wikipedia, 2007). “Globalizing issues have effects on four major areas of international relations theory and practice. First, the interconnectedness of the plethora of subissues within health, environmental, and human rights issues affect international bargaining” (Mingst, 2004). These issues are talked about daily in the news. Often times when health issues are brought up it is related to youth whether it is HIV, STD’s, or just simple obesity. Often times these issues when viewed at by youth are things that do not affect them in actuality it affect them more so than adults. “Second, these globalizing issues themselves may be the source of conflict” (Mingst). With this being said it is evident why the world goes through epidemics...
Words: 3740 - Pages: 15
...GERMAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO - MARKETING DEPARTMENT Antecedents To Consumerism The Role Of Marketing By Nabila Youssri El-Assar 22-3384 To Dr. Noha El-Bassiouny On 10/12/2012 1 Literature Review Outline 1. Introduction 2. Consumerism in perspective 2.1. Definitions 2.1.1. First stream of thought: Benign Definitions 2.1.1.1. 2.1.1.2. 2.1.1.3. First definition: Manipulative Techniques Second definition: Customer is King Third definition: Globalization 2.1.2. Second stream of thought: Destructive Definition 2.1.2.1. Evolution Of The Consumer Culture 2.2. Implications Of The Benign Consumerism Definitions On Marketing Strategy 3. The Consumer Culture And The Consumption Society 3.1. Distinguishing Definition 3.2. Conditions For A Consumption Society 3.3. Unhealthy Pillars/Consequences Of The Consumption Society 3.3.1. Materialism 3.3.2. Compensatory consumption: The "Shopaholic" Phenomenon 3.3.3. I Shop Therefore I Am 3.3.4. Living Beyond Your Means 4. Antecedents To The Unhealthy Consumption Pillars 4.1. Intrinsic/Personal Influences 4.1.1. Personality Characteristics: 4.1.1.1. 4.1.1.2. 4.1.1.3. Self-Monitoring Personality Trait Innovativeness, Fashion Orientation And Opinion Leadership Ethical orientation 4.1.2. Psychological characteristics 4.1.2.1. 4.1.2.2. 4.1.2.3. 4.1.2.4. Co-morbidity and the Joint cycle of compulsive consumption Obsessive thoughts and Risk Taking Propensity Low self esteem Dealing with Negative Emotions and life challenges 4.2. Societal...
Words: 13580 - Pages: 55
...Work buy consume die Materialism is bad for you because you don’t appreciate the things you buy, like when someone buys an IPhone they like it to start whit but after some time they want a better one, because you not happy whit the one you have. That is when you can effort it; I think when you work hard to get the things you will appreciate it more, because then it is not just something you point at and buy it, you think of it maybe for 2 months and then buy it then you look more after you things. ‘’Studies show that poor people who emphasize materialistic goals are especially likely to be unhappy’’ that is also true; when you can’t afford the things you like you’ll get sad because you can’t have it, and that makes you sad, that’s like a child that can’t have an ice-cream. Nevertheless, I think it is only the poor people that is around friends and others whit an IPhone that thinks so much about it, when you see it all the time that is a constant reminder of that YOU HAVE TO GET IT. ‘’A husband and wife no longer connect. They are so exhausted from the pursuit of "nice things" - a big house, private school for the kids, fancy cars - that they are time-starved and depleted. Life is luxurious but unsatisfying and simply no fun.’’ Aline Zoldbrod said this and I thinks she is right, when life gets easy you don’t think about the little things and you get bored whit how easy it is, we have to have some kind of a challenge in life, there is a saying ‘’life is a game’’ and when life...
Words: 596 - Pages: 3
...As people, we all have become materialistic in this modern society. We are competing with each other. People buy useless things because they see others or they wish something. In the article “Spent: America After Consumerism” the author, Amitai Etzioni, discusses two problems: consumerism and capitalism, which is causing an economic crisis. Etzioni explains how consumerism has become a social disease, where people are spending money on useless things to acquire higher lifestyle to fit in the society. He also suggests solutions, to control consumerism by following communitarianism or transcendental pursuit. However, many people feel that consumerism is part of life. They feel as if they acquire more materialistic objects or money it will bring happiness in their life. I do agree with the author that consumerism has become a social disease and people will do anything to acquire vain desires. At first, I have seen many people working extra-long hours to acquire their desires without thinking how restless life can affect them physically and mentally....
Words: 1118 - Pages: 5
...Consumerism is sometimes used in reference to the anthropological and biological phenomena of people purchasing goods and consuming materials in excess of their basic needs, which would make it recognizable in any society including ancient civilizations (e.g. Ancient Egypt, Babylon and Ancient Rome). However, the concept of consumerism is typically used to refer to the historically specific set of relations of production and exchange that emerge from the particular social, political, cultural and technological context of late 19th and early 20th century capitalism with more visible roots in the social transformations of 16th, 17th and 18th century Europe. The consumer society emerged in the late seventeenth century and intensified throughout the eighteenth century. While some[who?] claim that change was propelled by the growing middle-class who embraced new ideas about luxury consumption and the growing importance of fashion as an arbiter for purchasing rather than necessity, many critics[who?] argue that consumerism was a political and economic necessity for the reproduction of capitalist competition for markets and profits, while others point to the increasing political strength of international working class organizations during a rapid increase in technological productivity and decline in necessary scarcity as a catalyst to develop a consumer culture based on therapeutic entertainments, home ownership and debt. The more positive, middle-class view argues that this revolution...
Words: 947 - Pages: 4
...plants, to show naked truths about how the food many Europeans eat is harvested, slaughtered, quartered, and packaged. It seems really strange, but if you think at the modern consumer, the intention of the documentary is clear. In this case, we are all participants in a phenomenon that has been different designations from consumerist culture to consumer society. This means that people always want to consume more, and they find relevance and satisfaction in life, through the purchase of new consumer goods. Consumerism developed within a historical process that has created mass markets, industrialization and cultural attitudes that ensure that emerging incomes are used to purchase an increasingly output. But here is the question, what do we need? If everyone just by things they need, there would be enough for everybody. But in the current situation people in Europe don´t appreciate their social affiliation and they are really unsatisfied if they can´t buy from designer clothes, beyond sports cars as well as houses. In addition there isn´t an appreciation in the case of food. For people here in Europe it is the most normal thing in the world to have their daily...
Words: 539 - Pages: 3
