Shop Until You Drop: The Consumerism Stigma

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Introduction (1/2 Page)

Whether for good or bad, people consume in order to feel good about them. This might occur through fitting-in, feeling confident, participating in the culture of shopping, or communicating with others. Consumerism has become a universal behaviour amongst most people and groups. According to Sharon Boden, consumption is affected by both external and internal constraints and expectations (150). I argue that consumerism and consumption is no longer an accurate indicator of a person’s actual status and wealth. This takes place with increased accessibility to commodities and experiences. For example, driving a Mercedes-Benz is no longer symbolic of being wealthy or from the upper class, as people are able to lease or take out loans for purchasing such luxuries.

We see outrageous disparity in wealth everywhere today, yet people of different social classes may drink the same wine, go to the same symphony, or lease the same vehicle. Although stereotypes and emphasis on public image are common within this judgement-based society, they do not measure up when it boils down to ‘who is purchasing what.’ There are endless trends happening in relation to consumerism, such as the increase in consumption, the idea of fitting in, etc. This paper analyzes five different scholarly books to determine why consumerism and consumption is no longer an accurate representation of wealth and status. First I will provide a theoretical and historical background on the topic of consumption, then I will discuss the following categories: symbolic indulgence, symbolic deprivation, and finally, the convergence of classes.

Subtopic: Theory and Methodology (I Page)

The five scholarly books examined are as follows: In Longing a...

... middle of paper ...

...s to reduce consumerism and consumption in society will require for people to boycott a cause or company, disenabling them from functioning. Alternatively, people have the option of being more resourceful and creative with their time and money.

References

Aspers, Patrik. 2010. Orderly Fashion: A Sociology of Markets, Princeton, NJ:

Princeton University Press.

Boden, Sharon. 2003. Consumerism, Romance and the Wedding Experience,

Houndmills, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Johnston, Josée and Shyon Baumann. 2010. Foodies: Democracy and Distinction in the

Gourmet Foodscape, New York: Routledge.

Pugh, Allison J. 2009. Longing and Belonging: Parents, Children, and Consumer

Culture, Berkeley, CA: University of Berkeley Press.

Zukin, Sharon. 2005. Point of Purchase: How Shopping Changed American Culture,

New York: Routledge.

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