Consumerism

Definition

Consumerism is the cultural and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It often emphasizes material wealth as a measure of success and happiness, influencing societal values, behaviors, and urban landscapes. This ideology can shape how cities are represented in films, reflecting both the allure and the consequences of unchecked consumption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consumerism often leads to urban decay as once-thriving neighborhoods can become neglected when businesses prioritize profit over community needs.
2. Films depict consumerism as a driving force behind social unrest, showcasing how the desire for goods can lead to dissatisfaction and protests.
3. The rise of suburbs is closely tied to consumerism, where individuals seek larger homes and amenities, shaping their identity around consumption.
4. Speculative films about future urban life frequently critique consumerism by portraying dystopian societies where overconsumption leads to environmental degradation.
5. Urban dystopias in sci-fi films often illustrate the dark side of consumerism, revealing how excessive consumption contributes to societal collapse.

Review Questions

• How does consumerism influence representations of urban decay and social unrest in film?
  • Consumerism influences urban decay by portraying cities that once thrived now struggling due to neglect and the prioritization of profit over community. This neglect can lead to social unrest as citizens feel disenfranchised and frustrated with the materialistic culture that seems to ignore their needs. Films often illustrate these dynamics through characters who grapple with their desires for material wealth against the backdrop of decaying urban environments.
• In what ways do suburbs reflect the values of consumerism in contemporary cinema?
  • Suburbs in contemporary cinema often reflect consumerism through their portrayal as idealized spaces filled with large homes, shopping centers, and leisure activities that symbolize success. These representations highlight a culture where identity is heavily tied to consumption and ownership, showcasing characters who navigate their lives based on social status tied to material possessions. The emphasis on consumer goods as markers of success creates a narrative that critiques or reinforces suburban lifestyles.
• Evaluate how speculative visions of future urban life in cinema serve as critiques of consumerism.
  • Speculative visions of future urban life serve as powerful critiques of consumerism by depicting societies ravaged by overconsumption and environmental neglect. These films often portray bleak futures where technological advancements have led to rampant waste and social inequalities rooted in material desires. By exaggerating the consequences of unchecked consumerism, filmmakers invite audiences to reflect on present-day behaviors and consider the sustainability of their consumption patterns, pushing for a reevaluation of what constitutes a good life beyond mere accumulation.

Related terms

Materialism: A tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

Planned Obsolescence: A policy of producing consumer goods that rapidly become obsolete and require replacing, thus driving continuous consumption.

Urbanization:

The process by which more of a population comes to live in urban areas, often leading to changes in lifestyle and increased consumer demand.