Consumer Culture Research Paper

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“We want what we can’t have, because commodity makes us want it” – Macklemore
When one think of consumption, they would likely think of the oxford dictionary’s definition of “The action of using up a resource” or “The action of eating or drinking”. For me and most of the world, we seem to accept this without delving any further into the bigger picture. In this reflexion, I will be seeking a deeper understanding on what in fact consumption is, and how along with consumer behaviour this has affected my life for better or for the worse. Throughout I will also be looking into how the well-being of the consumer has been improved or hindered due to their consumption. It has been known and observed for a long time that individuals care about their
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Consumer culture is a form of capitalism in which people and the economy are focused on the selling and buying of consumer goods and the spending of consumer money. Many economists agree that the United States along with most of the western world has an established consumer culture. The consumer culture we all partake in has an emphasis on lifestyle and using material goods to attain happiness and satisfaction. Businesses can take advantage of this consumer culture by offering opportunities for consumers to bond over purchases or shopping. “Last Chance” “Today only” are key words used to lure in consumers, making the impression that the sale will not come back, although we know they will say the same thing again next week. A lot of people learn to associate buying things with achieving some goal, they find the feeling of the physical purchase more satisfactory than the outcome of the product. Businesses can manipulate this by focussing on the purchase more than the …show more content…
The original theory was a five stage model which was divided into basic needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) and growth needs (self-actualization). In general society, most people seem to this Maslow stated that all lower needs need to be fulfilled prior to a higher level satisfied, this is in fact incorrect. I believe Maslow’s theory fits in with consumer culture with regards to esteem, boosting one self-esteem is always a positive engagement, and if companies and experts can convince you that buying said item will make you feel better, boost your esteem, of course you’re going to

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