Podcast
Questions and Answers
Earlier work viewed consumption as sources of social status and ______, as captured in the notion of 'conspicuous consumption'.
Earlier work viewed consumption as sources of social status and ______, as captured in the notion of 'conspicuous consumption'.
distinction
Contemporary studies stress how consumers creatively rework the products they buy, generating new ______ in the process.
Contemporary studies stress how consumers creatively rework the products they buy, generating new ______ in the process.
meanings
From this perspective, consumption is seen as a relatively fertile arena for the expression of ______ and creativity.
From this perspective, consumption is seen as a relatively fertile arena for the expression of ______ and creativity.
individuality
According to anthropologist Danny Miller, consumption is based on acts of love and ______ involving the purchase of commodities for loved ones.
According to anthropologist Danny Miller, consumption is based on acts of love and ______ involving the purchase of commodities for loved ones.
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Much of the work on active and creative consumption has been ______ in nature, focusing on understanding through detailed fieldwork.
Much of the work on active and creative consumption has been ______ in nature, focusing on understanding through detailed fieldwork.
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Consumption is seen as central to the reproduction of social and cultural ______.
Consumption is seen as central to the reproduction of social and cultural ______.
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Modern market societies are characterized by a 'consumer ______' organized around individual choice.
Modern market societies are characterized by a 'consumer ______' organized around individual choice.
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Influential social critics like Karl Marx viewed consumption as marking the triumph of market exchange over deeper human ______.
Influential social critics like Karl Marx viewed consumption as marking the triumph of market exchange over deeper human ______.
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In capitalist societies, needs and wants are often ______ and manufactured.
In capitalist societies, needs and wants are often ______ and manufactured.
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Studies have focused on the role of ______ in stimulating demand for products.
Studies have focused on the role of ______ in stimulating demand for products.
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The passive consumer is often depicted as a 'cultural ______' manipulated by corporations.
The passive consumer is often depicted as a 'cultural ______' manipulated by corporations.
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A second view emphasizes the active role of consumers in utilizing things for their own ______.
A second view emphasizes the active role of consumers in utilizing things for their own ______.
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The concept of postmodernism highlights the powerlessness of consumers in the face of an infinite universe of abstract ______.
The concept of postmodernism highlights the powerlessness of consumers in the face of an infinite universe of abstract ______.
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Study Notes
Consumption as a Key Concept
- Consumption is a crucial topic in social science, previously disregarded but now gaining significant attention.
- This recent interest stems from recognizing consumption's centrality to social and cultural life, as opposed to solely a derivative aspect of production.
- Modern market societies are viewed as 'consumer cultures', centered on individual choice in the marketplace.
- Studies of consumption reveal the interplay between culture and the economy.
Two Perspectives on Consumption
- Critical Perspective: Many critics (e.g., Marx, Marcuse) see consumption as a tool of market dominance, where capitalist societies create manufactured wants. Advertising is crucial in this process, making consumers passive recipients.
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Active Consumption: A contrasting perspective highlights consumer agency in shaping meaning from products.
- Consumption is a site for expressing individuality and creativity.
- Consumption is tied to social relationships (e.g., family, friendship) and driven by acts of love and devotion, like gift-giving.
- Earlier work on consumer behavior focused on the acquisition of status & distinction (e.g., Veblen, Bourdieu). This modern critique moves away from material status, focusing on consumer's ability to creatively re-imagine purchased items.
- Ethnographic studies are used to discover the meanings associated with consumer practices.
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Description
Explore the concept of consumption and its evolving significance in social science. This quiz examines critical and active perspectives on consumption, shedding light on the balance between consumer agency and market dominance in modern consumer cultures.
