Homo consumericus
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Modern malls have been described as the new "cathedrals of consumption."[1]
Homo consumericus (mock Latin for consumerist person) is a neologism used in the social sciences, notably by Gad Saad in his book The Evolutionary Bases of Consumption[2] and by Gilles Lipovetsky in Le Bonheur Paradoxal.[3] According to these and other scholars the phenomenon of mass consumption could be compared to certain traits of human psychology described by evolutionary scientists pointing out similarities between Darwinian principles and consumer behaviour.[4][5] Lipovetsky has noted that modern times have brought about the rise of a third type of Homo consumericus, who is unpredictable and insatiable.[6]
A similar expression "Homo Consumens" was used by Erich Fromm in Socialist Humanism , written in 1965.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Clay, Grady (February 17, 1985). "Cathedrals of Consumption: The Malling of America". The New York Times.
- ^ Gad Saad, The Evolutionary Bases of Consumption (Routledge, 2007) ISBN 0-8058-5149-6
- ^ Gilles Lipovetsky, Le bonheur paradoxal, Essai sur la société d'hyperconsommation, (éditions Gallimard, 2006)
- ^ Jill M. Sundie 'Where is Homo Consumericus', Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books (2007)
- ^ George Siomkos, 'Homo Consumericus: The Coming of the Post-Modern Consumer', Marketing Week , Special Issue No. 1.000, April 5, 2004
- ^ Detrás del Telón – Homo Consumericus
External links[edit]
- Psychology Today – Homo Consumericus
- Homo Consumericus – Evolution & Consumption
- Julien Winock – Le bonheur paradoxal. Essai sur la société d’hyperconsommation – Gilles Lipovetsky
