History of the Consumer Movement

1. History of the Consumer Movement Created by Cynthia Thomas and Dr. Frank Flanders

2. Objective • The intention of this presentation is to provide students with a three part definition of the Consumer Movement, also know as Consumerism. • This presentation will also give students a history of Consumerism in the United States.

3. Terms • Goods • Services • Consumer • Advertisement • Budget • Consumer Protection

4. Consumer Movement (Consumerism) There are three parts to Consumerism. We will explore all three aspects of Consumerism in this unit.

5. Consumer Movement (Consumerism) • 1. Protection of Consumers’ Rights: • The movement seeking to protect and inform consumers by requiring such practices as honest packaging and advertising, product guarantees, and improved safety standards.

6. Consumer Movement (Consumerism) 2. Belief in Benefits of Consumption: The theory that a progressively greater consumption of goods is economically beneficial.

7. Consumer Movement (Consumerism) 3. Materialistic Attitude: Attachment to materialistic values or possessions.

8. History of the Consumer Movement (Consumerism) Since ancient times (Ancient Egypt, Babylon, and Rome) people have purchased goods and services in excess to their basic needs. Ancient Egyptian royalty were buried with lavish treasures. (This one from a Prince’s tomb.)

9. Consumerism and the Industrial Revolution • Just before the Industrial Revolution (late 18th Century), there came a major change in Consumerism. • Suddenly, commonly used items were not bought often, and were not cheap. • The Industrial Revolution allowed for products to be mass-produced and made affordable for everyone. • For the first time everyone could afford to buy basic goods and services in excess, not just the upper class.

10. Conspicuous Consumption • The lavish spending on goods and services acquired mainly for the purpose of displaying income or wealth • This term came about at the turn of the 20th Century (by economist and socialist, Thorstein Veblen). • Conspicuous Consumption came to describe consumerism in the United States in the 1960s. Thorstein Veblen

11. What do you think? • How do you think Consumerism, and specifically “Conspicuous Consumption” has affected you and the United States? • Write two to three paragraphs answering this question, use what you have learned today.