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Consumer Culture

Definition

Consumer culture refers to a societal system in which consumption of goods and services is not only a dominant economic activity but also an important social and cultural activity.

Analogy

Think of consumer culture like the popular game "The Sims". In this game, players are constantly buying new items for their characters' homes, upgrading their appliances, or purchasing new outfits. This constant cycle of buying is similar to how consumer culture operates in society.

Related terms

Materialism: The belief that acquiring physical possessions and wealth is the primary goal of life.

Advertising: A method used by businesses to persuade consumers to buy their products or services.

Capitalism: An economic system where private entities own the means of production and operate for profit.

"Consumer Culture" appears in:

Practice Questions (4)

  • Which of the following is NOT a direct example of consumer culture?
  • What contributed to the rise of consumer culture during the Industrial Revolution?
  • What led to the rise of consumer culture during the Cold War?
  • How has consumer culture evolved since the start of the Industrial Revolution?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.