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Consumerism In Modern Society

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Modern Society and Consumerism. Consumerism has became a part of every aspect of modern life. Parts of our lives that were not altered by consumerism, now have to conform with this phenomenon that has taken control. Consumerism is a reality that has always happened in developed nations, in which people purchase goods and services that they do not need. Nevertheless, with the Industrial Revolution the way the economy worked changed completely. An incredible amount of resources was now available to a wide range of the population. With the Industrial Revolution also came the capitalism. The capitalism was a new form of economy that caused a rapid growth of middle classes in developed societies (Webster). The population that was considered part of the middle class now had money to acquire not just basic needs for consumption but also other other goods and services they wanted. To better understand the term “consumerism” we must first understand what it means and who it affects. To consume signifies using something to satisfy one’s own needs and desires. To be a consumer means purchasing goods and services for personal use. As stated by Bauman, “consumed things cease to exist, literally or spiritually.” They tend to be used in a physical way (by eating them or or wearing them) or in a spiritual way (when something loses its personal value). Buying and owning things has became a huge necessity for people. With the development of technology, the way we share information was

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