Consumerism is becoming the hallmark of most world economies. In the West, it is a common phenomenon, but now even developing countries in the world are resorting to it.
Consumerism refers to the consumption of goods at a higher rate. The production and selling of goods judge the economy. The gross national product is the total of goods and services produced for a specific period at a specific time. The more goods produced and consumed by society, the higher the growth rate of the economy. The prosperity of a nation is judged by the per capita income of individuals residing in it. The economy is considered to be “doing well” if the purchasing power of the people is high.
In a consumer society, people replace their goods with newer ones. They purchase goods, use them and throw them away. Newer ones replace new goods when they become old. The question of repair does not arise. People have money to purchase products in plenty. In case they do not do so as it leads to recession and depression and also results in unemployment.
What are the effects of the consumerism?
Consumerism is appreciated in Western economies since a person’s standard of living is valued by his or her material possessions. There are certain positive effects such as:
Positive Consumerism Effects
Primary positive consumerism effects are:
- More industrial production.
- A higher growth rate economy.
- More goods and services available.
- More advertising since goods manufactured have to be sold.
- Increased production will result in more employment opportunities.
- A variety of goods and services to choose from.
- More comforts for a better living style.
There are always certain pitfalls to a given situation in a society. Material prosperity may be there in consumerism but, it has its negative effects on the people and society at large.
Negative Consumerism Effects
The top negative consumerism effects are:
- Craving for goods is high. The wants and desires of the people increase. The better their income, the better their purchasing power. But in case, they are not able to do so, and then they feel dissatisfied.
- One is in a rat race to earn more and is forced to cope with stress and other work-related tensions.
- Material wealth is the deciding factor about whether a society is highly developed or not. Spiritual values are underplayed. This may not be suitable for a person from the East, who generally is appreciative of spiritual values.
- Over-dependence on labor-saving devices.
- A car for each individual would mean gradual erosion of public transport.
- Crime rate also increases as wants to possess of expensive gadgets increases. Thefts become common, and daylight robberies take place.
- Personal relationships also get affected as people are busy trying to earn more to maintain their standard of living.
- Cheaper goods are imported from other goods affecting the growth of locally-based manufacturing industries.
- Consumerism has also resulted in ecological imbalances. The natural habitat is being destroyed to create more goods and build more buildings affecting the weather. Global warming will eventually result in health problems. Industrial pollution is affecting people in many ways.
- People’s lifestyles have also changed in a sense they are more lavish, full of material comforts rather than focusing on simplicity. Eastern spiritualism and philosophy have always emphasized simplicity. Gandhian principles and values favor a non-materialistic approach to life. Even well-known sages such as Jiddu Krishnamurthi have also eulogized simplicity in one’s lifestyle and thinking.
- Consumerism is also depleting the natural resources of the respective country.
- Psychological health also can get affected if one’s desires are not meant, such as depression. Jealousy and envy can lead to crime.
The United States is a consumer economy and is known for its material growth and prosperity. But presently, the economy is reeling under the pressure of the recession. People who have lost their jobs are finding it difficult to meet both ends. In the East, India is also progressing toward materialism, although this goes against its ancient philosophical approach towards materialism, which favors a simple, non-materialistic life.
Effects of Consumerism FAQs
How does consumerism affect poverty?
Consumerism hurts poverty because it encourages people to buy things they don’t need to feel good about themselves. This cycle of excessive spending ultimately harms the economy and creates more poverty, as people cannot purchase necessary goods and services. This increase in expenditures causes inflation and affects the quality of life for those below the poverty line. Consumerism also pushes people into debt, which can be incredibly difficult to repay. It also contributes to workplace stressors such as low wages and long hours that harm mental health. Ultimately, it diminishes social welfare by encouraging individuals to prioritize self-interest over the well-being of society.
How did consumerism affect society?
Consumerism has significantly impacted society because it has allowed for the rise of industries and businesses that capitalize on people’s needs and wants. As a result, people have become desensitized to their desires and are more likely to buy things impulsively or in excess. This insatiable thirst for possessions has directly led to the global economic downturn of recent years, as consumers became overstretched and began spending less money than they could afford. Unfortunately, this behavior also negatively affects individuals and societies by contributing to financial instability, environmental destruction, social unrest, obesity rates, health problems…the list goes on!
One way to counter this is by encouraging sustainable consumption – buying products made with minimal harm or exploitation to the planet. Another approach is through responsible marketing – promoting brands that appreciate humans and nature. The lasting legacy of consumerism will likely be its devastating economic and emotional effects on our societies. By being conscious of how our actions affect not only ourselves but also other species on Earth, we can create a more sustainable future for all!
How do consumers affect the environment?
Consumers significantly impact the environment because they are responsible for the number of resources they consume. For example, when consumers buy packaged food items, this affects both the production and packaging processes. Additionally, when people drive their cars or use energy-intensive appliances such as air conditioners or refrigerators, they use more resources than necessary. Other examples include the production and consumption of goods and services, waste generation, transportation choices, and purchasing habits.
Consumers also indirectly impact the environment by engaging in pro-environmental behaviors like recycling or reducing their energy use during peak hours*.
I think a radical shift in what we consider progress would change how we view our economic well-being. Our society is so focused on economic growth, but not so much on actual development.
An example: destroying wildlife habits to open a new coal mine and pollute the atmosphere with even more CO2 certainly grows our economy, but is this “progress”? Instead, we could work to become more energy efficient, eliminating the need for a new coal mine. The economy wouldn’t grow per say, but I would submit that that is more progress than the former scenario.
This was a really good list, btw. I recently wrote about the negative effects of consumerism, but looked over some of the points you mentioned.
Excellent essay!!!!! awesome ……
thank you very much.
the info was very helpful.
Well written essay, however some information on consumerism as it effects other less development nations would be helpful.
2 Comments
Blake
07/03/2009 at 11:14 am
I think a radical shift in what we consider progress would change how we view our economic well-being. Our society is so focused on economic growth, but not so much on actual development.
An example: destroying wildlife habits to open a new coal mine and pollute the atmosphere with even more CO2 certainly grows our economy, but is this “progress� Instead, we could work to become more energy efficient, eliminating the need for a new coal mine. The economy wouldn’t grow per say, but I would submit that that is more progress than the former scenario.
This was a really good list, btw. I recently wrote about the negative effects of consumerism, but looked over some of the points you mentioned
Amazing essay.this article is best to know about the consumerism effects.awesome !!
2 Comments
Blake
07/03/2009 at 11:14 am
I think a radical shift in what we consider progress would change how we view our economic well-being. Our society is so focused on economic growth, but not so much on actual development.
An example: destroying wildlife habits to open a new coal mine and pollute the atmosphere with even more CO2 certainly grows our economy, but is this “progress� Instead, we could work to become more energy efficient, eliminating the need for a new coal mine. The economy wouldn’t grow per say, but I would submit that that is more progress than the former scenario.
This was a really good list, btw. I recently wrote about the negative effects of consumerism, but looked over some of the points you mentioned alalalalalalala ;D
I think this article is good. But it could have been better if there was more insight into the “Demonstration effect”, which is actually the root cause of consumerism in the developing and under-developing nations.
The ill effects are considerable.
depleting natural resources mean battle for scarce commodities esp scarce ones like oil , iron ore. Countries even go for military over stretch to accomplish this.
we also see wasteful production/distribution pattern.
increase in both private.public debt even to extent of bankruptcy.
We should strive for prosperity rather than mass consumption and growth should also factor the damage done to environment
Well articulated. Consumerism affects all of us. But negative effects of consumerism have started weighing heavily on our environment and social structure. There is urgent need to make consumerism more judicious to realise our goal of sustainable development. We need to be more humane than to be consumers. We should not forget, without humanity, consumerism loses its relevance. Survival of organisms in healthy living should over ride all other domains of life. Let us all introspect and act in this direction !
It’s funny how this article baulks at consumerism and yet it has a Microsoft Ad in the top right corner. I’m not impressed.
one bad effect is, as the condition of consumerism increases more the waste materials increase. because people tends to buy new things without considering the recycling of the older ones. as the coming of the modern technique in production of goods increas the older ones are useles and move to waste materials… and increase in the waste materials…
I think a radical shift in what we consider progress would change how we view our economic well-being. Our society is so focused on economic growth, but not so much on actual development.
An example: destroying wildlife habits to open a new coal mine and pollute the atmosphere with even more CO2 certainly grows our economy, but is this “progress� Instead, we could work to become more energy efficient, eliminating the need for a new coal mine. The economy wouldn’t grow per say, but I would submit that that is more progress than the former scenario.
This was a really good list, btw. I recently wrote about the negative effects of consumerism, but looked over some of the points you mentioned
Excellent information it was extremely helpful, I got what I needed and therefor I thank you.
Thank you very much for your Excellent essay.
how about the social costs of consumerism? the environmental costs of consumerism? add those in. it helps people to better understand
What is your take on planned obsolescence and its connection to Consumerism?
The whole society today seems like a trap of consumerism. By every mean its only money which rules.
what are the roles of consumerism in service delivery in the society?
This is so so wrong everyone, stop consumerism today, I don’t want my son Lucas to experience this kind of life. So who’s with me? STOP CONSUMERISM TODAY
my son experiences this every day!!!
I think a radical shift in what we consider progress would change how we view our economic well-being. Our society is so focused on economic growth, but not so much on actual development.
An example: destroying wildlife habits to open a new coal mine and pollute the atmosphere with even more CO2 certainly grows our economy, but is this “progress� Instead, we could work to become more energy efficient, eliminating the need for a new coal mine. The economy wouldn’t grow per say, but I would submit that that is more progress than the former scenario.
This was a really good list, btw. I recently wrote about the negative effects of consumerism, but looked over some of the points you mentioned
In this age of consumerism ,a paradox can be seen in developing countries like India… we can see poor people starving at roadsides on one hand and on the other hand we are getting crazy for online shopping …brands etc.