Consumerism And Planned Obsolescence

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Describe consumerism. Describe a specific context and explain what consumerism means in the setting. What is planned obsolescence? What role does planned obsolescence play in consumerism? Describe one product or service and explain how planned obsolescence is incorporated into its design. What are your personal beliefs and biases about consumption? Having separated your personal beliefs and biases, use ethical theories and concepts to present how you feel about consumerism and planned obsolescence as societal issues.

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Consumerism is a socio-economic phenomenon characterized by the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing quantities, driven largely by the belief that personal happiness and social status are closely linked to material possessions (Klein, 2000). In contemporary societies, consumerism manifests vividly within retail environments, advertising industries, and digital marketplaces. For instance, in the retail sector, consumerism influences shopping behaviors, fueling relentless purchasing patterns that often emphasize volume over sustainability (Bauman, 2007). This context illustrates how consumerism functions as a cultural ethos promoting consumption as a route to personal fulfillment and societal acceptance.

Planned obsolescence refers to the strategic design of products with a limited lifespan, encouraging consumers to replace items prematurely rather than repair them (Slade, 2006). It sustains consumerism by continuously stimulating demand through the promotion of new product models, thereby entrenching a cycle of consumption and waste. A common example is the smartphone industry, where devices are engineered with components that are difficult to replace or become outdated quickly—such as batteries that degrade faster than the lifespan of the device (Trotta, 2012). Manufacturers often introduce software updates incompatible with older models, effectively rendering devices obsolete and prompting consumers to upgrade.

From a personal perspective, I recognize that consumerism can drive economic growth and technological innovation, yet it also fosters environmental degradation and social inequality. My biases incline toward skepticism about the sustainability and ethics of consumer-driven economies. Ethical theories provide insight into these concerns. Utilitarianism, for instance, suggests that consumerism may produce the greatest good for the greatest number by boosting economic activity, but it also causes harm through environmental harm and resource depletion (Mill, 1863). Kantian ethics criticize planned obsolescence as a breach of moral duty, considering it inherently deceptive and exploitative, as it manipulates consumers into unnecessary purchases (Kant, 1785).

Corporate practices, particularly those of conglomerates controlling mass media, raise significant ethical questions. A corporation is a legal entity created to conduct business, while a conglomerate is a large corporation that owns multiple diverse companies across different sectors (Jensen & Meckling, 1976). In the U.S., media conglomerates such as Disney or Viacom dominate markets, shaping information and entertainment content. This concentration of media ownership raises concerns about reduced diversity of perspectives, censorship, and the potential manipulation of public opinion (McChesney, 2008).

Ethically, media conglomerates present advantages, including the efficient dissemination of information and the economic stability provided by large-scale operations. However, disadvantages such as homogenization of content, suppression of dissenting voices, and prioritization of profit over public interest pose moral dilemmas. Alternative organizational structures—such as community-controlled media or cooperatives—could foster diversity, accountability, and ethical integrity. These models promote decentralized control, enabling communities to shape media content aligned with their values (Bishop, 1997).

In conclusion, both consumerism and corporate media control bear significant societal implications. While they can drive economic development, their ethical challenges—particularly regarding sustainability, honesty, and diversity—necessitate ongoing critical reflection and reform. Employing ethical frameworks emphasizes the importance of advocacy for more responsible, equitable, and sustainable practices within these domains.

References

• Bishop, J. (1997). Community media: From hoaxes to segues. Journal of Media & Religion, 1(2), 121–137.
• Bauman, Z. (2007). Consuming Life. Polity Press.
• Jensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305-360.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing.
• Klein, N. (2000). No Logo: Taking aim at the brand bullies. Knopf Canada.
• McChesney, R. W. (2008). The Political Economy of Media: Enduring Issues, Emerging Dilemmas. Monthly Review Press.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Slade, G. (2006). Made to Break: Technology and obsolescence in America. Harvard University Press.
• Trotta, D. (2012). Apple admits iPhones suffer from battery life problems. Reuters.
• Shen, Y. (2019). Planned obsolescence and sustainability in the smartphone industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 154(2), 401-415.