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 phenomenon is often characterized by a focus on the symbolic value of products, where items are not only valued for their utility but also for their ability to convey status, identity, and lifestyle. In the context of certain literary movements, consumer culture critiques the commodification of art and literature, reflecting broader societal issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consumer culture emerged prominently in the mid-20th century alongside economic growth and increased advertising, which reshaped how people viewed products.
2. In postmodern poetry, authors like Ashbery and Hejinian often reflect on consumer culture by using fragmented narratives and ambiguous language to highlight the complexity of identity shaped by consumption.
3. This culture critiques the idea that personal worth can be measured by material possessions, leading to a sense of disconnection and superficiality in social relationships.
4. Postmodern poetry frequently employs irony and pastiche to comment on consumerism's impact on art itself, questioning what it means for poetry to exist in a market-driven society.
5. Female poets like Graham address consumer culture through themes of domesticity and identity, exploring how societal expectations shape women's experiences in a commodified world.

Review Questions

• How do poets like Ashbery use language to critique consumer culture?
  • Ashbery's use of fragmented language reflects the chaotic nature of consumer culture, where meaning becomes obscured by overwhelming choices and superficial values. By employing ambiguity and non-linear structures, his poetry mirrors how individuals navigate a world saturated with advertisements and commodified experiences. This style prompts readers to reconsider their relationship with consumption and the impact it has on personal identity.
• In what ways does Hejinian's work reflect the influence of consumer culture on individual identity?
  • Hejinian's poetry often emphasizes personal experience and memory within the framework of consumer culture. By intertwining everyday moments with reflections on consumption, she reveals how identity is shaped by external influences such as marketing and societal expectations. Her work challenges readers to consider how much of their self-perception is constructed through the lens of consumerism, thus critiquing the superficial aspects of identity formation.
• Analyze how the themes of domesticity and identity in Graham's poetry respond to consumer culture's impact on women's roles.
  • Graham's poetry often explores the intersection of domesticity and consumer culture, highlighting how societal norms dictate women's identities within a commodified landscape. By addressing issues such as motherhood and personal space, her work critiques the pressures women face in fulfilling traditional roles while navigating a market-driven society. This analysis reveals not only the constraints imposed by consumerism but also how women can reclaim their identities through authentic self-expression beyond material expectations.

Related terms

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

postmodernism: A broad movement in literature and arts characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives and ideologies, often embracing irony, playfulness, and self-referentiality.

cultural capital: The non-financial social assets that promote social mobility, including education, intellect, style of speech, and even aesthetics.