Konsumeriste

Konsumeriste, also spelled konsumerisme in some languages, is a term used to describe a social and economic orientation that prioritizes the acquisition of goods and services. It encompasses both consumer practices—shopping, brand loyalty, and the pursuit of material goods—and the broader systems that sustain high levels of consumption, such as advertising, credit, and retail infrastructures. In scholarly and public discourse, konsumeriste is often discussed as an ideology in which consumption is seen as a driver of economic growth, personal identity, and social status.

Origins and development of konsumeriste are linked to the Industrial Revolution, mass production, and the expansion of markets. The phenomenon intensified in the mid-20th century with rising middle-class access to credit, the growth of mass media and advertising, and the emergence of shopping as a leisure activity. Globalization further amplified konsummeriste practices through broader product availability and interconnected supply chains.

Key features include an emphasis on variety and convenience in goods, marketing strategies aimed at emotional appeal and self-expression, and the perception of consumption as a form of empowerment and social distinction. Consumption becomes a central dimension of daily life and economic policy, influencing production, employment, and cultural norms.

Critics argue that konsumeriste can foster environmental degradation, excessive waste, and resource depletion, while contributing to debt, social inequality, and perceived materialism. Supporters counter that it drives innovation and improves living standards. Contemporary discussions often center on sustainable and ethical consumption, consumer rights, and policy measures such as labeling, advertising regulation, and corporate accountability.