The Rate of Consumerism and Consumption - Essay Example

Lecturer’s Consumption Introduction Consumption refers to the process of using final goods to disposal. This essay will discuss in details, the reason as to why there is a difference in the way individuals consume. In the contemporary society, individuals live in different conditions meaning all of them are not in the same level. This therefore, gives a clear impression that the ways of consumerism differs from one individual to the next. There are various factors that influence the way in which an individual controls consumerism. In the whole world, every nation is different especially because of the administration. Every nation has a leader of its own who makes sure that all the citizens live as expected. The rules and regulations that govern each nation vary from one to the next. This is one factor giving a clear impression that individuals are expected to control consumerism basing on the type of life in their nation. The key factor that contributes to difference in how people consume is cash. The amount of cash will always determine the degree of consumerism. Thesis statement: Consumerism majorly depends on the character of an individual. This means that it is an individual who is supposed to control how he or she makes consumption without depending on other people. Consumerism is defined basing on the amount of money an individual has. People in the globe engage in different activities that earn them salaries that differ. This means that it is the individual who decides on how to manage what is available in order to have all needs catered for. The rate of consumerism many at times bases on peer pressure. In the contemporary society, it is clear that many individuals have the tendency of purchasing items in order to be in the same social class with the colleagues to avoid shame. Many individuals tend to suffer from inferiority complex when their friends succeed in many things and they are left behind. In this case, they tend to try their best to make certain that they live the way their friends live yet they are not able to do so. In such instances, an individual is forced to do what he or she has not planned for. This result in embezzlement of funds because they end up being used in fields they were not intended to. Those who have the behavior to follow what other do end up messing up their lives because they live their lives basing on what other people do and this makes it difficult for them to be and accept who they really are. In this essay I will specifically point out on the idea that I want to get a new iPhone. I was previously using a Samsung galaxy but as time goes by I needed a new phone because new and more advanced models are being produced. This gives a clear impression that i do not want to be left behind. I am the one who is following the trend of fashionable items which makes it difficult for me to have a perfect budget. I may therefore end up buying items that I did not intend for. This is an issue which affects many individuals in the society making it difficult for them to have perfect plans financially. Many individuals tend to go for modern things without unlimited wish. This means that when new products in the market many people tend to go for them regardless of the price to make sure they are not left behind. “The latest technology, the latest trend in fashion, the latest cars and laptops, we’ve got to have them”. Resisting financial peer pressure.”This is one illustration giving a clear impression that there are many individuals who tend to follow up on fashion. Youths on the other hand, tend to follow up on fashion because they want to fit well in the teen fashion scene. “Emotional shoppers tend to spend when they are sad to make themselves feel better. Emotional shoppers tend to shop when they are happy to celebrate. Emotional shoppers tend to shop when they are bored to give them something to do.” I used to be an emotional shopper Since it is money that is the main factor affecting consumerism, many individuals suffer from financial peer pressure because they are not able to manage their funds effectively for the benefits of their living. Among the issues that lead to financial pressure include: Keeping up with joneses: This refers to self-imposed pressure. This happens for instance when an individual wants to live like others such that when friends do something he or she follows the trend. The other issue is on impressing the in-laws. This is an issue affecting many individuals because they tend to live making sure they make their in-laws feel that they can have very comfortable life and are in a position to provide everything yet in the real sense they cannot. The third issue is on impressing strangers. Many people tend to live is such a way that, when they move to new places, they do not want shame. In this case, they tend to try living high standard lives yet they are not able to. This is a pressure which affects those people who usually move to new places and find that people there are living very comfortable lives such that it will be shameful for them. Worrying too much about what other people think. This is another issue which makes individuals live pretentious lives because they are always afraid of what is going to be said by others. With this in mind, it is difficult for one to live a simple comfortable life. People end up living high standard lives but they force it to happen and this does not create happiness at the end. These are some of the issues that contribute to high consumerism especially for those people who force things to happen due to inferiority complex. Individuals in such situations will always make others happy but within themselves they suffer a lot. Assuming all these things is the best thing to do because there will be no pressure inflicted on an individual. Conclusion Consumerism solely depends on an individual. The main factor contributing to how a person consumes is money. This is a sensitive factor in this sector as it determines the extent to which an individual consumes something. In this case, it is clear that for a person to consume something to a certain degree, he or she is supposed to be in a position to pay for the products. This is the reason why there is always a difference in the living standards of people. There are those individuals who are considered to be rich and those who are known to live below the poverty line. Thos who are poor are always unable to afford some necessities. This is because they are not in a position to purchase them. Money is therefore an important factor in determining the amount to which an individual consumes. “Next time I’m craving a cheeseburger, I think I will just make my own from home” to get rid of the pricey meal.” This is a quotation from the article Forget Lattes. It is used to show that the amount an individual posses is the one determining how much to consume. This is another illustration that money is the main factor contributing to changes in consumerism among many individuals. Recommendation For people to make sure that they live their lives just as they are, they are supposed to have in mind that it is them that will determine that life. An individual is not expected to undertake some activities just because the friend is doing so (Preston 42). People should have principles in life, knowing what is best for them, what they are in a position to afford in life and things that they can have but waste their income on them. It is therefore best for everybody to follow some simple guidelines that will help every individual have comfortable life regardless of the social status. Among these guidelines are: Do away with keeping up with joneses. Avoid doing things to impress the members of the family. Avoid undertaking some activities in order to impress strangers. Stop worrying what other individuals think about you as a person. Avoid taking advice especially from those people who are broke because they will always say what they think can be done along their lie yet the situations are different. Avoid following a group of people. With the implementation of all these things, everybody is sure of living their own lives as they want to without pressure from anybody. This will make it possible for life to continue smoothly because everybody will be living in a comfortable way. Work Cited Preston, Jeremy G. E.I:10 Steps to Become Economically Intelligent (E.I) and Live a Financially Successful Life. Bloomington: AuthorHouse, 2008. Print. Read More