L8 Material

• What does the term "consume" mean according to Gusdorf (1978)?

  Use up, spend wastefully, destroy
• What is the relationship between consumption and production?

  Consumption is preceded by production
• How are consumers often portrayed in relation to companies?

  As victims exploited by greedy companies
• What does conscious consumption involve?

  Practicing responsible buying habits
• What has consumption become according to the material?

  An addiction
• Who coined the term "identity" in the context of social interactions?

  Erik Erikson
• What does identity refer to in this context?

  A symbolic idea built through social interactions
• What are the two aspects that define identity according to Erikson?

  Social category and distinguishing features
• What factors affect identity as mentioned in the material?

  Social relations of power and symbolic image
• What are the main features of consumer culture?

  1. Culture of consumption
  2. Culture of market society
  3. Universal and impersonal
  4. Freedom linked to private choice
  5. Unlimited consumer needs
  6. Builds personal identity and status
• What is one problem with consumerism?

  It is intrusive
• How does consumerism affect our choices and lives?

  It restricts our choices and lives
• What is a consequence of consumerism on our worldviews?

  It affects our worldviews and characters
• Why is consumerism considered unsustainable?

  It cannot provide important things
• What are two ways to avoid the trap of consumerism?

  1. Exercise intellectual independence
  2. Consume less, live more