Podcast
Questions and Answers
Thorstein Veblen's notion of 'conspicuous ______' highlights the connection between consumption and social status.
Thorstein Veblen's notion of 'conspicuous ______' highlights the connection between consumption and social status.
consumption
Consumption has been viewed as an expression of ______ and creativity, contrasting with the monotony of work.
Consumption has been viewed as an expression of ______ and creativity, contrasting with the monotony of work.
individuality
According to Danny Miller, consumption is not driven by ______ but by acts of love and devotion.
According to Danny Miller, consumption is not driven by ______ but by acts of love and devotion.
greed
Gift-buying is particularly significant and is connected to rituals such as ______ and birthdays.
Gift-buying is particularly significant and is connected to rituals such as ______ and birthdays.
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Much of the research on active consumption has been ______ in nature, focusing on detailed fieldwork.
Much of the research on active consumption has been ______ in nature, focusing on detailed fieldwork.
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Consumption has become a major focus of interest for geographers and other social scientists over the last couple of decades due to its previous neglect of __________.
Consumption has become a major focus of interest for geographers and other social scientists over the last couple of decades due to its previous neglect of __________.
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Modern market societies are said to be characterized by a '__________ culture' organized around the logic of individual choice in the marketplace.
Modern market societies are said to be characterized by a '__________ culture' organized around the logic of individual choice in the marketplace.
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One of the broad premises of consumption is that it is central to the reproduction of social and __________ life.
One of the broad premises of consumption is that it is central to the reproduction of social and __________ life.
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In capitalist societies, needs and wants are artificially created and manufactured, inducing people to __________ more than they actually need.
In capitalist societies, needs and wants are artificially created and manufactured, inducing people to __________ more than they actually need.
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Karl Marx and Herbert Marcuse viewed consumption as signaling the triumph of market exchange and industrial society over deeper human qualities and __________.
Karl Marx and Herbert Marcuse viewed consumption as signaling the triumph of market exchange and industrial society over deeper human qualities and __________.
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The role of __________ is significant in stimulating demand for products in a consumer-driven market.
The role of __________ is significant in stimulating demand for products in a consumer-driven market.
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The passive consumer theme emphasizes powerlessness in the face of an infinite universe of abstract signs and __________.
The passive consumer theme emphasizes powerlessness in the face of an infinite universe of abstract signs and __________.
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A second view on consumption emphasizes the active role of consumers in utilizing things for their own __________.
A second view on consumption emphasizes the active role of consumers in utilizing things for their own __________.
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Study Notes
Consumption as a Focus of Study
- Consumption is a major area of study for social scientists, previously underappreciated compared to production.
- This rising interest stems from three main ideas:
- Consumption is crucial for social and cultural reproduction (everyday needs like food, clothing, etc.).
- Modern societies are driven by consumer culture and individual choice.
- Studying consumption reveals the interplay between culture and economics.
Critical Perspectives on Consumption
- Some critics (e.g., Marx, Marcuse) view consumption as a tool for capitalist control over individuals.
- They argue that manufactured needs and wants drive excessive consumption.
- Advertising plays a significant role in influencing market demand.
- This perspective often portrays the consumer as passive and manipulated by corporations.
Active Consumption
- A contrasting perspective highlights the active role of consumers.
- Earlier research focused on consumption as a way to display social status (e.g., Veblen's conspicuous consumption, Bourdieu's cultural capital).
- More recent studies emphasize how consumers adapt and creatively re-interpret purchased products, adding personal meaning.
- They examine the social and cultural contexts of consumption rather than solely corporate strategies.
Consumption and Individuality
- Consumption provides an outlet for individual expression and creativity, contrasting with often monotonous work.
- Family and friendship ties are also significant factors influencing consumption choices.
- Acts of love and devotion, like gift-giving, are central to consumption.
- This perspective often uses detailed ethnographic studies to understand individual meanings and significance attached to consumption.
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Description
Explore the significant role of consumption in social sciences. This quiz delves into critical perspectives, including the passive consumer narrative and the active role individuals play in shaping consumer culture. Understand the interplay between culture and economics as we examine various viewpoints on consumption.
