Consumerism can be defined as a form of order and ideology in a social and economic environment that advices the purchase of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts in the market. It is the tendency to accept oneself desire for consumption at ever-increasing prices. A concept that the marketplace as the responsibility to ensure social justice through fair economic practices.
Planned obsolescence is when an item is deliberately designed with an artificially limited life in use, and the product will not functional after a certain period of time.
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Since Consumerism is mainly the consumer satisfying himself or herself and consumed in ever-increasing amounts. Planned obsolescence acts as the vital cog in consumer’s behavior hence regulating the long lasting goods, giving room for repurchasing and replacement of assets.
An example: a refrigeration machine. Planned obsolescence means the refrigeration machine is designed to last for at least three years before breaking down in the bracket of the guarantee time. Most of the components have been manufactured from high-quality materials with of course an exception of some vital parts which may not last for long. Three years after purchase, the refrigeration machine will only need minor cheap repairs. However, between 5 to 7 years the essential parts begin to wear out, and a replacement machine is required
I am always such a kind of a person who wants the latest and greatest things. I don’t believe I do this to keep up friends. In my thinking consumerism is not unpleasant thing, as much as you are not putting the rent, the savings or mortgage money to get the new products.
I can comfortably say that consumerism and planned obsolesce is not immoral. It is selfishness when somebody continually needs the best always when even sometimes you don’t need it at that time. However, it is also extraordinarily unacceptable and insincere for producers and companies to consistently producing these items in a tempting way making people even always to buy them. Though in my perspective I see it as unethical; we can put our minds and resources all together with the aim of making our world an excellent place to live.
Reference
Muncy, J. A., & Vitell, S. J. (1992). Consumer ethics: An investigation of the ethical beliefs of the final consumer. Journal of Business Research , 24 (4), 297-311.