What is consumption and consumerism? Understand the difference!

In today's text, we will explain the difference between consumption and consumerism. There is a certain difference between these two terms. In fact, knowing this is important to have a healthier financial life.

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Consumption and consumerism – are they the same thing?

These words often appear together in magazine articles, blogs, etc.

With that in mind, in today’s text, we’re going to explain the difference between these two words!

What is consumption?

Consumption is the act of acquiring goods or services through purchase.

In other words, it is characterized by the acquisition of supplies that will satisfy an individual's basic needs.

It is one of the stages of economic activity, which appears after the production and distribution of the item.

Human life has a relationship between production and consumption.

Therefore, we can say that the act of consuming is a characteristic common to everyone, that is, something that unites individuals.

After all, people have needs that can be satisfied by purchasing a product.

As for the consumption patterns, they vary according to time, place and culture.

This means that different people at different times have certain needs.

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What is consumerism?

Consumerism is related to consumption.

However, consumerism is the act that is related to excessive consumption, that is, the purchase of goods and services in an exaggerated and frequent manner.

It is a characteristic of capitalist societies and the expansion of globalization.

Therefore, consumerism is related to the accumulation of goods that go far beyond needs.

Buying objects of little use is a good example of consumerism.

This term is related to a pattern of social behavior, which understands the acquisition of goods as an act that will bring momentary pleasure and social differentiation.

What are the types of consumption?

• Routine purchases: products that are purchased frequently and that consumers do not take long to make a decision on.

• Limited value purchases: acquisitions made less frequently. Since we are talking about more expensive goods here, bad decisions can lead to high losses.

• High value purchases: high value-added goods, such as houses and cars. Information is evaluated rationally, but psychological factors can influence the decision.

• Impulsive purchases: unplanned purchases, whether of more expensive or cheaper items.

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What is the difference between consumption and consumerism?

Obviously, there is no way to live without consuming in today's society.

Therefore, consumption is a standard part of everyday life, as it meets basic needs and some supplies are essential for everyday life.

However, there are differences between planned purchase and impulsive buying.

Bringing this to everyday life, consumption involves food, hygiene, internet, services…we are surrounded by it all the time.

Unlike common consumption, consumerism is not only used to ensure comfort, quality of life and meet basic needs.

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How does consumerism impact society?

Every day, we are bombarded with advertisements about new releases, promotions, products that celebrities are using and much more.

This makes people want to consume more, even if at that moment, such a purchase does not make sense for them or even brings debts.

Although consumption is essential and necessary, excessive purchases bring anxiety, worry and regret, which often arise shortly after the act of purchase.

One of the main factors related to consumerism is the search for happiness through material goods, which generates frustration and requires new acquisitions frequently.

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How to differentiate consumption and consumerism in a day?

Now you know that although the two terms are related, there are differences between consumption and consumerism.

Impulsive purchases, especially when made frequently, directly affect your budget and can turn into debts.

This means that in addition to an unnecessary purchase bringing worry and regret, it can also impact your financial health.

So, before making a purchase, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I really need this product?

• Do I need to buy this product now or can I wait?

• What is my financial situation at the moment?

• If I don’t buy now, what will I do with the money?

• Was I planning to make this purchase?

These are simple questions, but they will certainly help you reduce compulsive shopping, allowing you to optimize the use of your money.

Obviously, the idea is not to give up these pleasures, but rather to practice conscious consumption and prevent unnecessary expenses from turning into financial problems.

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What are the main consequences of consumerism?

Excessive consumerism can bring several problems to an individual, such as:

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Debts

Compulsive shopping is one of the main reasons why Brazilians are in debt.

In fact, even small purchases, when accumulated, turn into a snowball.

For this reason, it is best to set aside a “spending limit” to make these purchases. This way, you will not compromise your budget.

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Loss of meaning of things

The act of buying just for the sake of buying makes you direct your joy and well-being towards consumer goods.

In other words, in a consumerist society, people are measured according to the goods they own. Simple moments that can truly bring happiness and personal satisfaction are no longer appreciated.

When expectations are placed on material goods, there is a risk of losing the true meaning of things.

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Environmental degradation

There is a strong relationship between consumerism and the environment.

Every year we consume more products, and their incorrect disposal causes problems for the environment.

Furthermore, unbridled consumption causes companies to produce more and more, degrading nature through the emission of waste.

Conclusion

There is a certain difference between consumption and consumerism, although the two things are related.

To practice conscious consumption, it is very important that you plan your purchases and evaluate your real needs.

This way, you will have a more balanced budget and will be able to focus on your future goals.