Sociology 2172A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Carnivalesque, Cui Bono, Consumer Capitalism
25 Jun 2012
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
As wealth increased, the limiting factor became demand, which closely became linked to desire. Recessions and depressions occur because demand drops- not because of an inability to product and supply goods and services. In postmodern societies, maintaining consumer confidence and a steady demand is crucial. Status preoccupations and social pressures are different from the need to feed one"s family, nonetheless experienced as very real to those who live in such a social context. Obsolescence demand for consumer commodities must be created largely through obsolescence (the making of something else obsolete) Innovation creating something newer, better, i. e. computer technology. Making products designed to wear out american car companies accused of this from 1950-1980. Fatal flaw of this technique: others making quality goods that outcompete your product i. e. japanese car companies. Turn products to status symbols the more an item has status value (rather than practical value), the more subject it is to fashion.
