Consumer culture

Definition

Consumer culture is a social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It promotes the idea that personal happiness and social status can be achieved through consumption. This concept played a significant role in shaping various aspects of society, influencing everything from music to lifestyle choices during significant cultural movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Folk Revival Movement coincided with the rise of consumer culture in the 1960s, as people sought authenticity in music amidst a sea of commercialism.
2. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez became icons of the folk revival, using their music to comment on social issues while navigating the commercial landscape.
3. Consumer culture influenced the production and distribution of folk music, leading to an increased demand for albums and live performances.
4. The juxtaposition of folk music's traditional roots with the modern consumer market created a unique tension that shaped artists' identities and their messages.
5. The folk revival helped to redefine what it meant to be an artist, as musicians began to balance artistic integrity with commercial success in a consumer-driven society.

Review Questions

• How did consumer culture influence the themes and styles present in the American Folk Revival Movement?
  • Consumer culture shaped the themes and styles of the American Folk Revival Movement by driving artists to address social issues through their music while navigating commercial pressures. Many musicians, like Bob Dylan, found themselves balancing their desire for authenticity with the demands of an increasingly consumer-driven market. This tension led to a blend of traditional folk sounds with contemporary messages aimed at connecting with listeners seeking meaningful content amidst mass production.
• Analyze how mass media played a role in the spread of consumer culture during the American Folk Revival Movement.
  • Mass media was pivotal in amplifying consumer culture during the American Folk Revival Movement by providing platforms for folk artists to reach broader audiences. Radio broadcasts, television appearances, and print media helped popularize folk music, enabling artists like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan to achieve fame. This exposure not only increased record sales but also reinforced the notion that success in music was linked to consumer engagement, thereby merging artistic expression with commercial viability.
• Evaluate the impact of consumer culture on the evolution of artist identity during the American Folk Revival Movement.
  • The rise of consumer culture significantly impacted artist identity during the American Folk Revival Movement by forcing musicians to navigate the complexities of maintaining artistic integrity while achieving commercial success. Many artists had to adapt their styles or public personas to attract wider audiences and meet market demands. This evolution challenged traditional notions of artistry, as musicians became more aware of their roles as brands within a consumer landscape, balancing personal expression with the realities of public consumption.

Related terms

Mass Media: Forms of communication, such as television, radio, and print, that reach large audiences and play a crucial role in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviors.

Branding: The process of creating a unique name and image for a product or service in the consumers' mind, which can influence purchasing decisions.

Materialism: A value system that prioritizes material wealth and possessions over other values, such as relationships or personal fulfillment.