WHAT IS CONSUMERISM?
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Consumerism is the modern movement in which companies promote goods for the interests of the public and their own profits. Often people think consumerism is a recent phenomenon, however according to Veblen’s ‘The Theory of the Leisure Class’ “Consumerism can be traced back to the first civilization.” (Thorstein Veblen: The Theory of the Leisure Class: 1994: Book) Although this is true, the public is consuming at a significantly higher rate now than at any time since the Industrial revolution began in the 18th century. This increase in demand has eventually lead to people buying newer goods based on appearance, rather than quality (see figure 1). Where products have a shorter life span and are not made to last as they once were. As a result of the increase in consumerism “our enormously productive economy demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction and our ego satisfaction in consumption. We need things consumed, burned up, worn out, replaced and discarded at an ever-increasing rate.” (Victor Lebow: Journal of the retailing: 19: Int) On the downside of this movement, the environment is being heavily impacted by consumers, Human Development Report 1998 Overview states “Runaway growth in consumption in the past 50 years is putting strains on the environment never before seen.” (Unknown: Global issue - Consumption and Consumerism: 2014: Int) This impact on the environment is an issue which needs serious consideration before it becomes irreversible. Human wants are unlimited, but as Gandhi once famously said: "There is enough on earth for everybody's need, but not for everyone's greed.” (Unknown: ENOUGH, ANTI-CONSUMERISM CAMPAIGN: Unknown: Int)