Consumerism

Consumerism

1. Advertising

   • Pros
     • educates consumers about new services / product
       • heps to improve their lives
     • increases sales
       • companies can produce things at lower costs; things become cheaper
     • gives jobs to many people
     • Many events are sponsored by ads
       • ticket prices would be higher without advertisements
   • Cons
     • consumers pay advertising through higher prices
     • Small companies cannot compete with lager ones
     • Consumers buy things they don't need / can't afford
       • higher personal debt
     • advertising leads to a throwaway society
       • goods are thrown away
       • more waste and pollution
     • Children are often the main target of advertisers
       • don't know what's good for them
       • spend money on things they don't need
       • Advertisements for fast food / snacks can lead to obesity and diabetes
   • Regulations
   • Strategies
   • Impact on Children
   • Forms
     • Merchandising
     • Sponsoring
     • Outdoor
     • Ads on the internet
     • Spam mails
     • TV ads
     • printed ads (newspaper, brochures,...)

2. Globalization and Consumerism

   • Outsourcing
   • Cheap Production
     • Consequences
   • Advantages of Globalization
     • Lager market
     • more jobs can be created
     • products become cheaper
   • Disadvantages of Globalization
     • causes unemployment in industrialized contries
     • may lead to environmental problems
       • environmental laws in other countries are not as strict as they are at home
     • The poorest countries (e.g. Africa) may get poorer
     • Human / animal / plant diseases can spread more quickly

3. Environment

   • Carbon Footprint
   • The Green Consumer
     • Definition
       • Somebody who is mindful of environmental related issues and obligations, and is supportive and environmental causes . >> The typical green consumer will only buy things that are environmentally friendly
     • Organic Food (Bio Lebensmittel)
       • foods produced by organic farming
       • synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are forbidden
       • conserve biodiversity
       • ecological balance
     • Fair Trade
       • Definition
         • An alternative approach to conventional trade, based on a partnership between producers and consumers.
       • Advantages for farmers
         • provides them a better deal
         • improved terms of trade
         • helps them to imprve their lives and plan their future
           • better living conditions
         • they learn how to sell their products best
         • money can be invested
           • farms can be improved
       • Advantages for consumers
         • offers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their every day shopping
         • can eat and drink in a good health and good conscience
         • support third world countries
         • fight against poverty
         • know to whom the money is given

4. Shopping

   • Addiction
   • Online Shopping
   • Habits
   • Changes in Consumption

5. Brands

   • Impacts on culture
     • US vs. UK
     • Globalized Culture