Showing papers on "Consumerism published in 1976"

The Limits to Satisfaction: An Essay on the Problem of Needs and Commodities

Abstract: Consumerism and capitalist and socialist industry have reached the point where state power is legitimatized by its ability to increase the number of commodities. A unique culture has been created in which marketing is the main social bond. Values no longer shape and condition needs, wants, desires, or preferences. Leiss draws on economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology to show the vagueness of our thought on the relation between nature and culture, desire and reason, needs and commodities. This book raises serious, vital questions for all those concerned about the future of our present society.

Changes In Consumer Attitudes Toward Marketing, Consumerism and Government Regulation: 1971–1975

Abstract: Trends in consumer attitudes toward business philosophy, product quality, advertising, consumer responsibilities, government regulation and price controls are examined. The findings of three national surveys indicate that the level of consumer discontent did not change substantially between 1971 and 1975. Despite expanding efforts to advance the interests of consumers, the basic criticisms and frustrations expressed by respondents in 1971 were echoed again in 1973 and 1975. However there were some notable trends in the kinds and magnitudes of consumer concerns over this period. The need to treat consumer dissatisfaction as a relative concept is emphasized, and it is suggested that comparisons of present levels of consumer unrest to a zero base would probably lead to exaggerated interpretations of current conditions.

The Differing Nature of Consumerism in the Ghetto

Abstract: Does a consumer movement that is white and middle class benefit those who are not white and not middle class? This paper argues that the movement is not likely, and perhaps ought not, to have major impact on ghetto consumer problems since those problems too often are qualitatively, not just quantitatively, different from those of the white middle class. Middle class misunderstanding of disadvantaged consumers' problems offers the strong suggestion that middle class involvement in problem solutions may make the situation worse not better.

The response of US business to consumerism

Abstract: Reports on a survey carried out in the USA into the opinions of leading marketing managers and consumer advocates with respect to consumerism. Investigates, also the response of US business to consumerism. Offers several points to illustrate this, concluding that concepts of consumerism appear to have been institutionalized in the economic system of the USA.

Consumer Problems and Consumerism: Analysis of Calls to a Consumer Hot Line: What kinds of people use a consumer hot line? Why do they call? What are their attitudes toward business?

Abstract: S and public opinion polls have . been used to ascertain and characterize the nature of problems within the consumer environment. However, such methods represent only one level of measurement information-one that does not require much effort from respondents. Since consumer calls to a hot line do require effort by the consumer, this study provides an additional level of information about the nature of consumer problems. Accordingly, the primary objectives of this study of hot line calls were:

Reform in the United States: its impact on medicine and education for family practice.

Abstract: The historical concept of reform is useful as an aid to understand the modern rise of family practice education. Beginning about 1890, historians have identified several themes of reform in the United States which have been expressed culturally, politically, and socially. Each of these themes, agrarianism, bureaucratization of the professions, and utopianism, has influenced medicine and medical education--first at the turn of the century in the activities of the AMA in promoting public health and in establishing the natural sciences as a basis for medical education and practice. Since the end of World War II, additional reform themes have become visible which are also influencing medicine. Among these are humanism, consumerism, and the women's movement. It is the author's thesis that the present vitality and future development of family practice as a discipline is more dependent on its capacity and willingness to be identified with these expressions of reform than on its negotiations and compromises within the medical education establishment.

Consumerism and Health Care

Abstract: In this paper, I will analyze health care by drawing upon relevant conceptual resources in the social sciences. I will approach this task from my sociological background, using sociological concepts primarily, but I will look also toward social psychology and economics for their contribution. My analysis will be conducted not solely as a disinterested dissection of health care institutions but also with a view toward current issues in health policy and practice.

Marketing Logistics and Consumerism

Abstract: Consumerism today, like trades unionism some century ago, is a pre‐dominantly middle class concern. It provides an avenue for the articulate who are dis‐satisfied with the economic balance of power in our society and/or its emphasis on materialism, to walk along. That it should have become so is a matter for deep concern to marketing professionals since it was supposedly their philosophy and belief that they were in communion with customers and their role in a business was to ensure that it was meeting those customers needs and wants. We must surely share with Peter Drucker the judgement that “consumerism is the shame on the total marketing concept”. That consumers should need to formalise their viewpoint by the development of such an institutional process as consumerism has become, is an indictment of what marketing claimed to be in the business.