Consumerism is more than just an economic phenomena. It is also a social order and ideology which encourages the exchange of goods and services. It becomes the part and parcel of our daily life, especially in this modern era that we live in. While consumption is an act, consumerism is a way of life. The word ‘consumerism’ is often used to refer a life ‘excessively preoccupied with consumption’. Consumerism is not just a phenomenon that happens of rich nations. It has become increasingly global and in fact spreading towards the developing nations as well. It serves as an “answer” to our problems, driven by our own needs. We can see that consumerism is a vital part of modern history, and continues to change its role over time- but still remains controversial.
There are hints of consumerism before the late seventeenth century, in various parts of world. But the full-blown consumerism has only been around in the last 300 years or so. In the past, when there were some major catastrophe occurred, people were asked to sacrifice and ration their consumer pleasures in the interest of larger goods. But now the situation changes. Government leaders urge people to keep their consumer activities despite the happenings, not even during economic downtown. This proven that sustaining the economy was more important than sacrifice. The reason why consumerism is a vital factor in our economy nowadays is because without consumer goods, the modern and developed societies would lose key instruments for the reproduction, representation and the meaning of creation accomplishments.
Consumerism describes a society in which many people developed their goals in life partly through purchasing goods that they clearly do not need or more than necessary for their lives. On the other hand, it also keep people updated with modern technology and services. Thus, they become entangled