Consumerism, Consumer Behavior and Identity: the Extent in Policy Decision-Making

Villegas, Bernardo M. (2005) Christmastime and Consumerism. Manila Bulletin. December 9. p. NA.

This brief news article is about the spending and consumer behavior of Filipino people during the whole year of 2005. The economic situation of the people affects their consumer identity and behaviors. Furthermore, the news also presents the cultural practices, backgrounds and attributes of the said setting. Specifically, Christmastime is the main event observed because this is the season when all people are engage in a rapid exchange of economic activities.

Barnhill, David Landis. (2004) Good Work: An Engaged Buddhist Response to the Dilemmas of Consumerism. Buddhist-Christian Studies, vol. 24, pp. 55+.

Barn's article relates to the cultural, social, political, religious, and psychological application of consumerism. In particular, he presented the principles of engaged Buddhism in relation to consumerism. Further, he is proposed several ideas to resist consumerism knowing the fact that it is an “ingrained part of our culture” and “paradoxically difficult to avoid and easy to ignore.”

Harris, Daniel. (2000) Cute, Quaint, Hungry, and Romantic: The Aesthetics of Consumerism. New York: Basic Books.

The author Daniel Harris presented the concepts of aesthetics in consumerism. It is an evaluation of the attitudes of consumerism among people – teens, household wives, and many others. He aims to identify “how the aesthetics of consumerism are the lies we tell ourselves to preserve our individuality.” He incorporated the concept of aesthetics in order to discuss the relativity of consumerism and consumer behavior and/or identity among consumers.

Johnson, C. and Mullen, B. (1990). The Psychology of Consumer Behavior.

Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates

This book serves as an outstanding reference in understanding the whole rationale of consumer behavior in application to consumer psychology. It also presents consumer behavior models and application of theories. Further, it consists of common situations where in consumer behavior is greatly manifested.

All in all, this book gives a perfect reference for consumer behavior and identity as a psychological phenomenon.

Jones, Judy. (1997) Can't Shop, Won't Shop: No Shop Day Activists Will Soon Be Protesting at a Mall near You. Can They Wean Us off Our Addiction to Consumerism?. New Statesman, vol. 126, no. 4360 (November 14) p. 39.

This article discusses the “No Shop Day” campaign around UK proliferated by the anti-consumerism activists. It also tackles the consumerism in terms of shop-till-you-drop practices of people. The campaign’s goal is to promote social justice and the protection of consumers’ rights as a whole.

Kim, J., Forsythe, S., Gu, Q. and Moon, S.J. (2002). Cross-cultural consumer values, needs and purchase behavior. Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol.19, No.6; pp.481-502.

As stated, the role of advertising in every business is vital. This paper deals with the cultural dimensions of advertising specifically in Taiwan. It also delves into the effects of advertising to consumers’ decision-making. The elements of advertising, the manner of presentation, or a certain ad for instance, greatly affect the culture, concept and emotions, and other human attributes of a certain setting.

Schiffman, Leon and Kanuk, Leslie Lazar. Consumer behavior. 7th ed. London: Prentice Hall, 2000.

Schiffman and Kanuk’s book refers to all factors affecting consumer behavior. It also presents models, applications, and analyses of cases in connection to people’s behavior in purchasing merchandise or decision-making when buying. Individual, social, and cultural considerations are also taken into account.

Wilkie, W. (1990). Consumer Behaviour. New York; Wiley.

Same as the aforementioned reference, Wilkie’s book specializes in the aspect of consumer satisfaction. It evaluates the factors that affect the satisfaction of consumers in reference to their individual buying behaviors.

Wyatt, Rebecca. (1999) Consumerism, Advertising Good for Society, Author Says: Materialism Seen as a Central Concept of Modern Life. The Washington Times. November 3, p. 2.

Recognizing the effects of advertising in consumer’s buying behaviors and decision-making, consumerism should be protected. The materialism of people today must be congruent to the central characteristics of modern life. With this article, it gives an evaluation on the situational instances of Americans in shopping.