Consumerism Development

Consumerism has considerably changed social life and determined the clear boundaries of incomes. As society has changed its moral and ethical stance, the words necessity, comfort, and luxury have been transformed. What was once a comfort may today be considered a necessity, as what was once a luxury may now be a comfort. Our viewpoint has changed as the economy and politics have changed. Today people attitudes towards comforts and luxuries are inextricably linked to consumerism.

From the beginning of humans, these needs have been sought after in order to establish life. Without these essentials, humans would cease to exist. As societies evolved, so did the accepted necessities. Once governments were established and classes of society became evident, exactly what a necessity was changed. People began adding to the list of necessities, especially when trying to establish governmental or charity aid. Things that are necessities in America today may include running water, electricity, heat, and education. A necessity today is something that all people, regardless of social class or monetary income, are entitled to. Historically, we needed only fire to cook something. As time passed, we brought that fire inside our houses. Then came the comfort of a stove, making it easier and faster to cook. Today, we have microwaves. This comfort means a few pushes of buttons and cooking is done. Comforts are strewn throughout our lives, and have become easily attainable in an industrial nation. The bulk of our consumerism is to attain comforts to make our life seem easier and more enjoyable.

With the spread of consumerism and advertising, came the idea that we all deserve the best. Now, we hear many common comforts referred to as luxurious. This has been a brilliant marketing development.