This piece of writing is a historical and sociological investigation into how American identities are affected by American consumerism, as well as the role of the consumer in consumerism's subjugation of different non-consumer identities. I note my personal connection to this subject matter in my preface. Then, I discuss the societal origins of consumerism and its central therapeutic ethos in the late 1800s, which is significant to the paper because it highlights the long-established core ideals of consumerism that have lasted until today. I continue by discussing the thorough ingraining of consumerism in our socialization, as it was strategically seeded in conjunction with the development of the modern American economy. The blanket effect of consumerism on identity has fostered societal pressures that generations of Americans experience to conform to the elite expectations of consumerism. Consumerism's effect on the world, mainly through its demanding means of production, has caused destruction and abuse of laborers and of the environment. Despite its many downfalls, American citizens are dependent on consumerism to help establish and foster their identity in today's American consumerist society. Understanding consumerism's effect on our identities will aid us in seeking to dismantle it.
"},{"label":"Degree","value":["Bachelor of Arts with Departmental Honors"]},{"label":"Administrative Note","value":"Drupal Node ID: 23942