Shop Until You Drop: The Stigma About Consumerism Essay -- Economics

Introduction Today, people consume for pleasure. The act of consuming goods may allow one to fit in, feel confident, or participate socially in shopping culture. 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. As a society, we have increased accessibility to commodities and experiences. For example, driving a Mercedes-Benz is no longer a symbol of being wealthy or belonging to the upper class. Leases or loans have brought such luxuries to a broader spectrum of social classes. We see outrageous disparity in wealth everywhere today. 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.’ 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. Research and Discussion The five scholarly books examined are as follows: In Longing and Belonging, Allison Pugh discusses the role of parenting and the effects of consumerism and consumption on children. Foodies, by Baumann and Johnston, discusses how foodie culture falls under the umbrella of both democracy and distinction. Consumerism, Romance and the Wedding Experience by Sharon Boden de... ... with less capital to consume and experience commodities that were historically out of reach. Consumerism and consumption is largely driven by the actions that individuals take each and every day when buying groceries, or going on vacation. 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, Josà ©e 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.