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Note: Our focus is mostly "developed" countries and to a lesser extent "developing" countries, not "underdeveloped" countries.

- In progress -

What are some of the factors that drive consumerism, and specifically, over-consumption, as well as wastefulness?

How big is the problem of over-consumption, in general?  What are some of the ways in which our society behaves as a "throw-away society"?

How much information/What kinds of information can people get about products or services they are thinking of purchasing?

What does the average person know about significant supply chain issues?

How much do people know about the welfare of people involved in the production, distribution, and selling of consumer goods and services? 

How much do people know about consumer goods' impacts on the environment?

How much do people know about the welfare of animals (e.g., experimental use of animals) during the development phase of certain retail products? How does a person find out if animals are humanely slaughtered (before their hides or feathers or fur are used for consumer goods)?

How familiar are people with the different kinds of "certifications" that exist that are aimed at addressing sustainability?  (What do experts and observers think of these initiatives?  Are they all valid?  Are they adequate?  Are any of them misleading?  Etc.)

When we (consumers) purchase mass-produced products, do we pay the true, real 'costs', in full?  [When we think of all of the potential associated 'costs' (or "externalities") of mass production and consumption--e.g., poor air quality, polluted waterways, clean-ups (of polluted or contaminated land or waterways), deforestation, use of sweatshop labour, etc.--who is burdened?  What is the role of globalization?  What are some of the forces that ensure consumer prices for mass-produced products are kept artificially low?]

Aside from people's awareness (i.e., of environmental and social issues related to supply chains), how much do people actually care? In general, do people think their shopping habits (their consumption choices) are important?  Do their social values align with their purchasing behaviour?  If consumer goods are available that have been produced safely and fairly, are people willing to pay a premium?

What are some of the social factors that influence how people, in general, shop?

What is the relationship between the availability of credit and typical consumer behaviour?

How common is it that people buy things they cannot afford, don't need, and/or don't even like (!)?

What type of meaning do some people attach to things and possessions?

Spotlight on some Popular or Technical Terms

Note: Many of these terms also relate to (are contrary to) Engaging | Thriving (major topic)

• Consumerism • Consumer Goods • Consumer Products • Consumer Demand • Consumer Behaviour • Consumer Society • Consumption • Consumptive Demand • Over-Consumption • Conspicuous Consumption • Consumer Excess • 'Throw-Away Society' • Materialism •

• Social Values • Ethical Consumption • "Buy Local" Movement •

• 'Collaborative Consumption' (The 'Share Economy' or The 'Sharing Economy' or The 'Peer Economy') •

• Sharing • "DIY" ("Do It Yourself") Movement • DIY Culture •

• Voluntary Simplicity • Sustainable Living • Green Living •

For these terms also go to Business Sustainability | Corporate Responsibility | Sustainable Finance (major topic): Supply Chain • Sustainability Reporting • Fair-Trade Certification • Child Labour • Forced Labour •

For these terms also go to Agriculture | Food (major topic): 'Fast Food' vs 'Slow Food' • Slow Food Movement • Local Food • Fair-Trade Products • Vegetarianism & Veganism • Gluten-free Foods •

Note: For content on how Consumption | Consumerism relates to personal (financial) credit also see The Economy | Labour | Finance (major topic).

Note: For content on how Consumption | Consumerism relates to waste also see Waste | Contamination | Pollution | Recycling (major topic).

Image credit:

• White Vintage Corvette is in the public domain.