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Consumerism: How It Affects Families Living in Poverty in America

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Consumerism: How It Affects Families Living in Poverty in America
Consumerism: Affecting Families Living in Poverty in the United States

Katelynn O’Brien
University of Phoenix
COM/220 Research Writing

May 26th, 2013

Outline I. Introduction of consumerism and brief explanation of its impact to the society II. Consumerism; definition and deep explanation of its impact to the world economies III. Advantages of consumerism A. Economic developments B. Growth and developments of companies C. Production of quality by companies D. Increase in production innovativeness IV. Disadvantages of Consumerism A. Competition increase B. Dishonesty product promotion and advertising methods C. Environmental degradation D. Poverty and dualism V. Effects of consumerism to middle and upper classes individuals in an economy VI. Conclusion VII. References

Introduction
Consumerism refers to customers’ social and economic tendencies that encourage them to purchase goods and services in huge amounts. Consumerism is an unhealthy economical habit that often results from economic influence among peers. Studies show that most Americans go for shopping not because they are in need of what they want to buy, but mostly due to influence by other shoppers, most of whom are friends and peers. Middle-income earners are the worst hit by consumerism. They spend a lot of money on goods and products that they do not necessarily need or rather they do not require at a given time. Rich people, on the other hand, mind about the necessity of what they spend their wealth on, and thus they are not easily influenced by the trend of consumerism in the society. Consumerism affects poor people negatively in various ways. Poor people depend on middle-income earners and the rich for their economic survival. On the other hand, middle-income earners fall victims of consumerism and often diminishing their ability to support the poor. Hence, there is an increased enlargement of the economic gaps between the poor and the



References: Easterling, D., Miller, S., & Weinberger, N. (1995). Environmental consumerism: A process of children 's socialization and families ' resocialization. Psychology and Marketing, 12(6), 531-550. Gould, N Goyal, A., & Goyal, M. (2010). Business environment. New Delhi, India: V.K. Publishers. Hill, P., & Gaines, J. (2007). The consumer culture of poverty: behavioral research findings and their implications in an ethnographic context. Journal of American Culture, 30(1), 81-95. Kangun, N., & Richardson, L Khan, S. (2010). Socio-economic change in India. New Delhi, India: APH Publishing. Lange, H., & Meier, L. (2009).The new middle classes: Globalizing lifestyles and consumerism. London, UK: Springer Publishers. McGregor, T. (2007). Consumerism, the common good, and the human condition. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 99(3), 15-22. Miles, S

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