Discuss the genesis of consumerism. Briefly analyse the rise of the consumer movement.

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Discuss the genesis of consumerism. Briefly analyse the rise of the consumer movement.

Discuss the genesis of consumerism.

Consumerism is the idea that the consumption of goods and services is the most important driver of economic activity and overall well-being. The origins of consumerism can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when industrialization and the rise of mass production techniques led to a significant increase in the availability of goods and a corresponding decrease in their cost. This led to a shift in economic thinking, away from the traditional belief that people should save and invest in order to accumulate wealth, and towards the idea that people should spend money in order to drive economic growth.

One of the key figures in the development of consumerism was economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen, who wrote “The Theory of the Leisure Class” in 1899. In this book, Veblen argued that the rise of a wealthy leisure class in America was driving a culture of conspicuous consumption, in which people purchased goods and services not because they needed them, but in order to display their wealth and status to others.

Another key figure in the development of consumerism was economist John Maynard Keynes, who wrote “The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money” in 1936. In this book, Keynes argued that in order to overcome the economic downturns caused by the Great Depression, governments should actively promote consumer spending through a combination of stimulus spending and low-interest rates.

In the United States, consumerism, as we know it today, began to take shape during the 1920s, when a number of factors came together to create a culture of consumption. The country’s entry into World War I had led to an economic boom, and new technologies, such as the radio and the automobile, were making it easier for businesses to reach and advertise to a mass audience. At the same time, a new class of white-collar workers was emerging, with more disposable income than ever before. Together, these factors created a perfect environment for businesses to begin targeting this new consumer class, and for consumer spending to become the driving force of the American economy.

As the United States emerged from World War II as the world’s dominant economic power, consumerism began to spread to other parts of the world. The post-war period saw a rapid expansion of consumer credit and the rise of the suburban lifestyle, which led to a huge increase in the demand for consumer goods such as televisions, cars, and appliances. By the 1960s, consumerism had become the dominant economic philosophy in the Western world, with governments and businesses alike promoting the idea that people should spend money in order to drive economic growth.

However, Consumerism did not remain unquestioned. Critics of consumerism argue that it encourages people to focus on material goods rather than on more important things, such as relationships and experiences. They also argue that consumerism leads to an overuse of resources and the generation of excessive waste, as well as contributing to social inequality by making people feel that they are not as good as others if they do not have the latest material goods.

Briefly analyse the rise of the consumer movement.

The consumer movement is a social and economic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century in response to the rise of consumerism and the growing power of businesses. The movement aimed to protect consumers from the negative impacts of consumerism, such as unsafe products, deceptive advertising, and high prices.

The origins of the consumer movement can be traced back to the Progressive Era in the United States in the early 20th century when a growing number of people began to speak out against the negative effects of industrialization and urbanization on society. Consumer groups such as the National Consumers League and the Women’s Trade Union League began to advocate for better working conditions and product safety standards.

The consumer movement gained significant momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, as the rise of television and the increased availability of consumer credit led to an explosion in consumer spending. This era also saw the rise of a new generation of consumers who were more politically active and socially conscious than their predecessors. They were more likely to demand goods that were environmentally friendly, ethically produced, and not tested on animals.

One of the most influential events in the rise of the consumer movement was the publication of “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair in 1906. The book exposed the terrible working conditions and unsanitary practices of the meatpacking industry and led to the passing of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 which aimed to protect consumers.

The consumer movement also gained support from governments, with many countries passing laws to protect consumers from unsafe products and deceptive advertising. Examples include the creation of agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and regulations.

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