Consumer Culture
Definition
Consumer culture refers to a social arrangement where buying and consuming goods and services is not only essential but also seen as desirable for personal happiness or social status.
Related terms
Capitalism: An economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners who aim at profit rather than by state; consumer culture thrives under capitalism because it relies on constant consumption for economic growth.
Advertising Industry: A sector dedicated to creating and disseminating messages about products or services to attract consumers. It plays a significant role in shaping consumer culture.
Mass Production: The manufacture of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines or automation technology. Mass production makes goods more affordable, thus fueling consumer culture.
"Consumer Culture" appears in:
Subjects (2)
AP European History
AP World History: Modern
Study guides (4)
AP US History - 4.5 Market Revolution: Industrialization
AP US History - 4.6 Market Revolution: Society and Culture
AP US History - 6.10 Development of the Middle Class
AP US History - 7.1 Context: America in the World
Additional resources (2)
AP US History - 6.1 Context of Industrialization and the Gilded Age
AP US History - Unit 7 Overview: The Early 20th Century (1890-1945)
Practice Questions (4)
What cultural trend of the early 20th century led to an increase in consumer culture through mass production?
How did the post-1945 economic expansion in the United States inspire similar shifts in consumer culture and suburbanization across different time periods?
How does the consumer culture that emerged during the Roaring Twenties compare to today's consumerism?
Which television program became symbolic of the consumer culture emerging in the US after World War II?
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About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.