Consumer Culture

Consumer culture can be defined as a form of material culture where values, meanings, and identities are shaped around consumption of goods and services. The significance and character of the values, norms, and meanings produced in consumption practices (e.g., buying, having, being, or doing) define consumer culture. Consumer culture can be considered as a system in which the cultural experience of everyday life with symbolic and material resources is mediated through markets. Shopping is perceived as a leisure activity in a consumer society. In a consumer culture, spaces, platforms, sites, and modes of consumption spread to all aspects of everyday life. Brands have an increased visibility, while advertising seems to be omnipresent. This entry provides an overview of consumer culture, exploring the origins of mass ...