Thursday, 5 May 2016

CONSUMERISM LECTURE_

CONSUMERISM_

This lecture was about the history of consumerism in modern history. during the 19th century, consumerist society was big, due to people having more of a disposable income. Consumerism lead to identity and freedom of choice. It allowed consumers to define themselves and create an image they wanted as their own. ‘I shop therefore I am’, Barbara Kruger. She addresses identity and consumerism, suggesting you have no identity without buying. 

The industrial revolution in the 18th century enabled people to buy more. It created wealth by using more efficient and cheaper labour, making consumerism more affordable and accessible.

The 19th century saw the middle class and workers benefit from disposable income. It was the rise of the mass market, leading to department stores, showcased at the great exhibition in 1851. It is argued that consumption and mass consumerism is effecting global warming and encouraging unethical production, from the over use of fuels.


Consumerism is really relevant I feel within the fashion industry. the lecture gave me greater understanding of the history of consumerism, and is a subject I will apply to my essay.

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