Materialism in Consumerism Part III in a three

Materialism in Consumerism Part III in a three part series on Consumerism. Created by Cynthia Thomas and Dr. Frank Flanders

The 3 Aspects of Consumerism 1. Protection of Consumers’ Rights: The movement seeking to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety standards. 2. Belief in Benefits of Consumption: The theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial. 3. Materialistic Attitude: Attachment to materialistic values or possessions.

Essential Questions l What is the materialistic attitude in consumerism? l What is the anti-consumerist movement?

Consumerism Materialistic Attitude: Attachment to materialistic values or possessions.

Materialistic Attitude: Part III of Consumerism l The third aspect of Consumerism is debatably the most controversial. Some definitions of Consumerism equate personal happiness with consumption and the purchase of material possessions.

Happiness?

Retail Therapy l l l Defined as: Shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer’s mood. This term was first used in the 1980’s in the Chicago Tribune. Researchers have now classified the psychological disorder oniomania as the compulsive desire to shop.

Conspicuous Consumption l Discussed on the first day of this unit, conspicuous consumption refers to the lavish spending on goods and services acquired mainly for the purpose of displaying income or wealth.

Anti-Consumerism l l The socio-political movement against consumerism. Many anti-consumerism activists believe materialism is connected to war, greed, crime, environmental degradation, and general social dissatisfaction and discontent.

Who are some notable critics of consumerism or a materialistic lifestyle? Let’s take a look at some famous people who are known for being “anti-consumerists”.

Anti-Consumerists Opposition to economic materialism comes primarily from two sources: -Religion -Social Activism We will begin with a few religious leaders known for their anti-materialistic views.

Mohandas Gandhi (1869 -1948) l l l A major leader during the Indian Independence Movement. He lived a simplistic lifestyle, giving up modern clothes to wear homespun cloth, and often returning gifts that were bestowed on him for his service. Called this practice of simplifying his life “reducing himself to zero”.

Pope John Paul II (1920 -2005) l 1991 – he publicly denounced consumerism in the West (here, “west” refers to the Americas, primarily the United States. )

John the Baptist (6 BCE – 36 CE, approximately) l l One of the first anti-consumerists. Lived an ascetic lifestyle, one free from worldly pleasures.

Social Anti-Consumerists Other Anti-Consumerism activists advocate for social/political reasons.

Karl Marx (1888 -1883) l l l The pioneer of the anticonsumerist movement. Criticized society’s consumption. Believed people had a tendency to identify strongly with products or services they consume.

Ralph Nader (Born 1937) l l Four-time United States Presidential Candidate. Advocates for consumer protection, environmentalism. Has never owned a car (hitchhiked to Washington, DC in 1963). Created the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Summary l How is consumerism defined in terms of materialism? l What is the anti-consumerist movement? l Who are some famous anti-consumerists?