Consumer Culture

Definition

Consumer culture refers to a social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. This culture emphasizes the importance of consumption as a means of achieving identity, social status, and personal satisfaction. It plays a crucial role in shaping the way art is viewed and valued as a commodity within society, influencing both artists and consumers alike.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consumer culture gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of industrialization and mass production, leading to greater availability of goods.
2. The growth of advertising played a significant role in shaping consumer desires and promoting specific lifestyles associated with certain products, including art.
3. Art as a commodity became increasingly valued in consumer culture, with galleries and auction houses positioning art as a desirable object for investment and personal expression.
4. Consumer culture encourages the perception of art as not just an aesthetic experience but also as a symbol of status and wealth.
5. This culture has led to a shift in how artists create their work, often considering market trends and consumer preferences, which can influence artistic integrity.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of consumer culture impact the way art is perceived and valued in society?
  • The rise of consumer culture transformed art from being seen solely as a cultural or aesthetic pursuit to a commodity that holds monetary value. This shift made art accessible to a broader audience but also placed emphasis on its commercial aspects. As consumers began to view art as a status symbol or an investment, it influenced not only the types of art being produced but also how artists approached their work, often aligning their creations with market demands.
• Discuss the relationship between advertising practices and consumer culture's influence on artistic expression.
  • Advertising practices significantly shaped consumer culture by creating desires and associations between products and lifestyles. As art became commodified, artists found themselves navigating this landscape where they had to consider how their work would be marketed. The influence of advertising encouraged artists to tap into trends that appealed to consumers’ aspirations, which sometimes diluted their artistic intent in favor of commercial viability.
• Evaluate the implications of consumer culture on the integrity of artistic expression and its long-term effects on the art market.
  • The implications of consumer culture on artistic integrity are profound, as many artists now face pressure to create works that cater to market trends rather than their own vision. This phenomenon has led to a commodification of creativity where success is often measured by sales rather than artistic merit. Over time, this focus on consumer preferences can distort the art market, prioritizing easily marketable pieces over innovative or challenging works, ultimately shaping the trajectory of contemporary art movements.

Related terms

Commodification: The process of transforming goods, services, or even ideas into commodities that can be bought and sold in the market.

Materialism: A value system that places high importance on material possessions and physical comfort, often at the expense of spiritual or cultural values.

Mass Production: The manufacturing of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly line techniques, which makes goods more accessible and affordable to consumers.