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In a consumer society, there is a focus on creating desire for more goods, services, and identification with brands. This results in a throwaway society that generates waste in the pursuit of new products. Today, individuals often define themselves based on personal preferences like music, cars, or fashion accessories, leading to a sense of belonging in different social groups. This contrasts with an Industrial society where people were primarily defined by their class and profession.
Exploring the shift in culture provides valuable understanding of how our relationship and values regarding material goods, from purchasing to discarding, have contributed to the formation of a consumer society.
This investigation will delve into the question of whether a consumer society is inherently a disposable one. In order to conduct a thorough evaluation, this analysis will consider factors such as mass consumption in U.K. contemporary society, the influential power of supermarkets, and Bauman's theory of 'The Seduced and the Repressed'.
When we think of consumerism, we often focus on the goods and services we buy, such as bags filled with promotional offers, new clothes, or a new kitchen.
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Rarely do we consider the waste and disposal that comes from this mass consumption. Waste is a part of everyday life, created from daily essentials like food packaging and replacing household items. This change in shopping attitude is due to increased affluence over the past 50 years. ('Evidence in the social sciences’, 2009, track 2)
The increase in wealth has been driven by the increase in the number of women joining the workforce, resulting in households having dual incomes and more disposable income.
Additionally, there has been a 40% increase in employees' earnings over 17 years, leading to people having more money than ever before (Brown, 2009, p. 110). While it is challenging to accurately quantify the growth in wealth, total domestic expenditures reflect a shift towards spending less on essential items and more on luxuries or what is now termed as 'luxuries and necessities'. In 1957, 33% of income was spent on food, but by 2007 this percentage had decreased by 18%.
The 16% growth in 'services' is a result of shifting values and habits as people now have more disposable income for desired items rather than necessities. With more women entering the workforce, there are time constraints on household tasks and childcare. Affordable kitchen appliances allow women to work outside the home, increasing wealth and enabling the purchase of labor-saving devices. Visiting supermarkets is another popular way for people to spend their valuable time.
Supermarkets attract shoppers with tempting promotions like 'buy one get one free' or 'spend over £50.00 and get £5.00 off your fuel'. They provide a wide range of products including food, clothing, electronics, credit cards, and insurance at prices that are typically lower than those at small shops. The blend of convenience and affordability makes it hard to resist the allure of supermarkets.
Supermarkets claim to operate on a positive sum power ethos, where all parties benefit. Workers and farmers receive fair wages and sell all their stock, consumers can purchase goods at affordable prices, and supermarkets make a profit. Without this system, workers may not earn a living wage and farmers may be left with surplus stock. This would result in fewer customers and financial difficulties for all involved. From the perspective of supermarkets, they believe they are benefiting everyone involved.
The consumer arrives home, unpacks the bags of food only to realize they have nothing for dinner or time to cook a proper meal. Instead, they put on a newly purchased cheap outfit and new shoes, discarding the ones bought just weeks ago along with the wasted food from last week's shopping. They head out for dinner with friends without a care in the world, seeking compliments and showing off their new outfit. This attitude contributes to approximately 6 million tonnes of food waste annually, costing over £400 per household. According to The Food We Waste (WRAP) cited in Brown (2009, p. 106), the prevalent mindset is that goods can be easily replaced and fitting in is more important. Within Bauman's theory, society is split into two categories: "The seduced and the repressed," based on factors such as employment, education, wealth, age, and gender, placing individuals in one category or the other. This view is deliberately controversial, aiming to provoke emotion and discussion.
Although some individuals may choose to shop in certain places to support local businesses or not own a car for environmental reasons, others are satisfied with their current situation and do not feel the need to conform (Hetherington, 2009, p. 25). The majority of people would likely prefer to be in the 'seduced' category rather than the 'repressed', as being in the former allows for endless possibilities if one has the means. Being part of the 'in crowd' or 'keeping up with the Joneses' is possible in this category, even if it means spending more than one can afford.
One example could be a child whose parents are unemployed or receive benefits, leading to the child not having the latest fashion trends or cool trainers, placing them in the 'repressed' category. Society puts pressure on parents who feel the need to conform to a 'seduced' society, supporting Bauman’s theory. I agree with this idea about a consumer society, although I disagree with the term ‘always’ as it is too broad. ‘Mostly’ or ‘sometimes’ would be more appropriate, considering there are individuals and societal groups who consume thoughtfully, understanding the limited sustainability of natural resources.
Some people prioritize recycling while others understand that true happiness is not tied to material possessions. The economy and education are shaping individuals' perspectives on consumerism and waste. Due to economic constraints, disposable income is limited, prompting individuals to utilize what they already have and reassess their consumption habits. Additionally, educational institutions are incorporating projects into their curriculum, introducing current and future generations to the importance and lasting advantages of recycling.
Kindertransport delves into the complex connection between mothers and daughters, touching on themes of family, security, devotion, and belonging. The play explores hidden truths, harsh realities, sacrifices for survival, struggles with identity, and the pursuit of fulfillment. It specifically examines the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships through three unique pairs in its narrative.
Eva, at the age of nine, was put on a train and held resentment towards her mother. On stage, she evolves from a young German girl to a serious British sixteen-year-old. She renounces her religion, embraces her new mother, alters her name to Evelyn, adapts to school life, and conceals all memories in the attic.
In her older years, Eva, also known as Evelyn, gets married, has a child, and eventually gets divorced. When young Eva is finally reunited with her mother at the age of sixteen, two incredibly painful scenes unfold: their emotional first meeting since the war and Eva's decision not to accompany her mother on the journey to America.
Upon Eva's arrival in England at the commencement of Act One, Scene Two, one of the first distinct markers of her identity is her German language. This becomes apparent when an English officer addresses her, only to have her respond in German due to her limited understanding of English. This language barrier serves as an immediate source of alienation for Eva in her new surroundings, highlighting the authority the officer holds over her. Additionally, Lil plays a significant role in erasing Eva's German identity by removing her Star of David upon their first meeting at the train station.
Eva is reluctant but does not hinder Lil, showing her caution about discarding the star. This mirrors how Lil consistently urges Eva to renounce her German heritage. Additionally, later in the play, Lil reassures Eva that her faith is not genuine. “Look love, if it’s God you’re worried about, the Lord Jesus said that we needn’t keep to the old laws any more."
They had their days years ago.” This illustrates how Lil encourages Eva to embrace the English culture. Throughout the play, Eva becomes proficient in English but resorts to German when upset, as seen on page 37 when she responds in German to Lil's lecture about coming home late from school. This highlights how Eva finds solace in her native language, which may evoke memories of her past that she yearns to revisit. "Don't…
Consumer Society: The Disposable Culture of Desire. (2016, Sep 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/explore-the-claim-that-a-consumer-society-is-always-a-throw-away-society-essay
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