Lecture 10

Question 1

Why is it argued that we live in a consumer society?

Answer 1

Commodities used a resource to define one
Preference for goods bearing images
Consumer society says new is good for the pleasure it may bring
For the individual buying things is a concern of life
Consumers often give functional benefits as to why they bought something but what are the meanings attached to products
Shared by many people so were aware these can be decoded

Question 2

What does lee (2000) say

Answer 2

Consumer society has transformed not only our material existence but our ontology, very being itself

Builds on the idea that religion, state occupation we think of as social structures are less certain.

Question 3

What are Edwards (2000) key perspectives of consumer society?

Answer 3

Consumer society as capitalist society- social divisions forced
Consumer society as utilitarian l- consumer is chooser operating with high agency
Consumer society as symbolic signs images and meaning

Question 4

What is vlebens theory of the leisure class?

Answer 4

Looked at how everyday objects lost functional qualities but became a sign of social standing
Conspicuous consumption highlights how display is not a side effect of consuming but the essence
If you don’t consumer enough you drop down in terms of social class

Question 5

What was bordieus perspective

Answer 5

Taste classifies and it classifies the classifier
Achieve distinction by exercising social capital
Subordinate groups reject the fashion of superiors

Question 6

What is postmodernism

Answer 6

Allows individuals to play with identity
Can dispose and reconstruct identity through consumption
No fixed status groups but expression of style