Sociology 2172A/B Lecture Notes - Consumerism, Diners Club International, Gordon Gekko
30 Jan 2013
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1950: we spend money we"ve earned to buy things we need to impress people we like . 2000: we spend money we haven"t earned to buy things we dong need to impress people we don"t like . Consumerism is the preoccupation with the acquisition of goods to satisfy needs through material things. We cant keep producing products at a large amount that it is being produced now not sustainable! 20% world is consuming 80% of natural resources in products. Average american uses 30 times the goods compared to someone in a developing country. Consumption of products for status, (example harley bikes) To manipulate us into buying with little reflection. Appeal to our insecurities: teeth whiteners, overweight. Associate success and social standing with a product. Buy cars, cell phones, clothing: ex. Savings are at an all time low. Consumer debt increase: . 5 trillion canadian personal consumer debt (2011) On average canadians have on average 3 credit cards.
