Outline The Argument That A Consumer Society Makes Inequality

A consumer society is best defined as the process in which goods and services are bought and used to satisfy people’s perceived needs (J.Obelkevich. 1994). The image of this consumer society can be described as one of individualism and freedom but it can also be marked by social divisions, inequalities and exclusions. This essay examines the relationships there are between consumerism, the social divisions this engenders and ultimately the choices, if any, this offers to people. It shows how our choices can be defined by the type of people we are, the way that we are perceived by others and our ability to consume.

This essay will explore the notion that a consumer society is a divided society. By using the information presented in the making social lives booklet it is hoped this essay will present itself clearly in its dialogue offering concise points of discussion relevant to the topic at hand. This essay will look at what consumer society is, how it evolved and why society might be considered consumerist also at how different members of society consume and why these things contribute to the opinion of divisions within a consumer society.

Before understanding the relationship between capitalism and consumers, it is important to know each one individually. Capitalism basically means that a countries market is controlled by private owners instead of the government. A consumer is someone who purchases products and services provided by these private owners. It is very easy to see the relationship of giving and taking between consumers and corporations, without one the other cannot function properly. In the very distant past, there was no need for this type of relationship, if something was needed they made it or gathered it. Life was short and hard, so no one thought to make a surplus of an item and sell it to others for profit. It wasn’t really until the 1700’s during the industrial revolution where products could be mass produced that the free market came to be. The problem with capitalism’s relationship with consumers is that corporation’s control consumption, corporations breed consumers, and can target consumers around the world.

The term consumer society goes beyond the mere act of shopping and the functional use of goods with contemporary

We are all University Students that currently live in Halifax Nova Scotia, but have all grown up in various places. Two of our members are from Ontario and the remaining members from various parts of China. Given this geographical separation, our group has some obvious diversity in our individual consumer profiles. This is partly due to our different cultures and values. Our families also greatly influence our contrasting consumer profile - with our differing ethnical backgrounds, different social classes and varying religions. Conversely, we all fit into the age bracket of 18-25 so share some similar purchasing behaviour as millennial consumers (Kardes et la., 2011, pg 38). We have all been apart of many of the same world changes, such as 911 and global warming. This greatly sways our prespective on which products we can identify with and our preferences. Likewise, we all are at the same life stage (Kardes et la., 2011, pg 8). We are all young adults, finishing up university and starting our independent lives with limited disposible incomes. We tend to make most of our purchases online, allowing us to find the best deals in the least amount of time. Most of us find that food is our number one expense and value the bonds people make while sharing a meal. Many of us find it difficult balancing our busy lifestyles and school, but work to covercome these challenges. All of these inflencers guide our purchasing habits.

This essay will look at discussing the extent to which a consumer society gives people choices, examining social, economic, and

Opponents argue that societal development suffers as consumerism and the ensuing governmental regulations increase. They point to the fact that working class wages are stagnating and prices are increasing. Avoiding debt has become almost impossible for most families because they don’t have enough money to survive. This inequality leads not only poverty, but also to increased levels of consumption as consumers spend more to raise their overall standard of living.

In consumerism Woodhouse starts off by telling his audience what consumerism is. Woodhouse also talks about the benefits of it such as “stimulating the economy and facilitating peoples’ liberties to shape their identities and cultures”. This is followed by the downside of consumerism that it is “a manipulated and environmentally destructive habit leading to too many units of stuff being designed, produced, advertised, sold, and discarded”. This brief introduction really helps lay the foundation for the rest of the article and foreshadows what will be talked about.

Chapter 5: This chapter focuses on the various individuals that have overcome societal pressure about continuous spending and have made commitments to reduce their consumerism habits. Schor tells us that people had realized that consumerism had taken over their lives and 75-80% believed that Americans had become too materialistic. They believed that the materialistic ideology may affect younger generations to come and their response to this was downshifting. The most common reasons to downshift were to have more time, less stress and live a more balanced life. Schor believes downshifting involves doing something more meaningful with one’s life, then just spending money on all the needs and desires.

Bauman’s argument is that “society remains unequal and divided today on the basis of whether or not you are in a position to consume effectively” (Allen, 2014, p.275) although he also argues that “the forms of inequality and freedom in a consumer society differ from what went on before” (Bauman (2008) cited in Allen, 2014, p.175).

1 – 404) “Today, the relationship between social class and consumption has dissipated. Each social class tries to emulate the consumption behaviour of those above them.” (Trigg, 2001, pp. 101 – 103) For example, restaurants within a five-star hotel will be priced at a much higher range to attract the rich to spend on the ‘luxury’ food and service. Patrons of the establishment are those who are wealthy and willing to spend on dining out. However, it may not always be the rich who dine in these restaurants. People of lower income would save up to dine in such restaurants as well, in efforts to impress others, and to appear as higher social status than they actually are. Thus, even the poor are subjected to the pressure of conspicuous

The winners and losers in a consumer society are defined by how effectively they are able to consume and sustain themselves. Large supermarket chains, retail parks, the wealthy, the able-bodied and those who have access to their own travel and even cheap credit are all classed as ‘winners’ within a consumer society. Whilst small

It 's via consumption that society is able to grow; providing economic steadiness, numerous jobs, and services to the lots. Through the years, individuals started to eat now not simplest the items that they needed to are living, however, many extra luxurious goods to enrich their lifestyles (using disposable revenue). (The Open school, 2014). It may present protection and belong to people who are able to devour efficiently. Nevertheless, for those restricted by means of income, it could lead to a specified level of exclusion, for that reason dividing society. Nonetheless, it is not just revenue that impacts humans ' potential to consume comfortably. Reasons like age, mobility and ethical choices may additionally lead to exclusion, accordingly, being an inequality.

Inequality, unspoken reality that is an alarming concern for our society. It is implied as the definitive allocation of scarce resources in society, which plays a significant role in the way democratic societies and nations act upon. Inequality is every form of definition; it sets the global problems and increases the defining political problem of our age. Participating in government helps us assess sets of complicated values that authorities lay for our welfare. Gaining visibility around the localities that the government places for their citizens. Being political highlights the ranges where it constitutes our current understanding of what it entails to be a citizen. Being a constituent of the governmental rituals, one must perform a set of rules that are assigned by the respective authorities to be a part of the political world. Rising inequality in this time may not be a huge concern as it was during the Victorian Era according to the author of the book, “Inequality. What Everyone Needs To Know” by James K. Galbraith. However, in order to discuss such concerns where it nearly affects millions of individuals, businesses, population, and nations, one must gain a mind of a person who understands the meaning of being a political and knows how to discuss such events in an appropriate manner. Inequality is a political problem that demands a political solution and it cannot be discussed otherwise.

Who are the winners and losers in a consumer society? We could ask what is defined as such. We can see it is about what people do for a living and how they live, but there is a divide, it shows how the rich