Consumerism
Consumerism is a social and economic ideology encouraging the acquisition of goods and services, developing significantly alongside 20th-century industrial capitalism and mass advertising.
Developing alongside industrial capitalism's ability to mass-produce goods at unprecedented scale, this ideology encouraging continuous consumption has become deeply embedded in modern economic and cultural life.
Encouraging Continuous Acquisition
Consumerism encourages the continuous acquisition of goods and services, becoming deeply embedded in modern economic and cultural life, particularly in wealthy industrialized nations.
Fueled by Mass Advertising
Consumerism has been significantly fueled by the development of mass advertising, creating and shaping consumer desires for products beyond basic necessities.
Significant Environmental Concerns
Consumerism has raised significant environmental concerns, with critics linking excessive consumption patterns to resource depletion and environmental degradation.
Emerging Counter-Movements
Consumerism has generated significant counter-movements, including minimalism and sustainable consumption advocacy, promoting more deliberate and limited acquisition of goods.
