9781422281307

Consumerism Defined People have always had basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. As societies grew wealthier, however, people’s appetites changed. They became interested in acquiring things for reasons other than mere survival. Consumerism is an atti- tude that values the purchase of goods that are desirable but not essential. In a consumerist society, people can become caught up in the process of shopping and take part of their identity from the new items they buy. They may be concerned with the clothes, cars, and household furnishings they purchase because these things build an image they wish to project about themselves. Consumerism is driven by consumers , who have a desire for luxury goods, as well as by producers , who are looking for prof- its. On the production side, a number of industries are employed to satisfy consumerism and generate more of it. Researchers develop new products to tempt consumers, design- ers find fresh ways to make products attractive, ads bring these products and services to the attention of the public, and retail- ers work to lure customers into their stores. Main Effects of Consumerism Consumerism has affected society in many ways—some good, some bad. It has led to a breakdown of traditional social divi- sions as people of all socioeconomic backgrounds have gained access to a wide range of luxury goods. On the other hand, it has given rise to a greater division between the rich and poor: producers have exploited laborers in poorer countries, who work for less money than those in richer countries, in order to

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Consumerism