Ways In Which Cultural Imperialism Encourages Changes In Behaviour?

Question 1

What is commodity fetishism?

Answer 1

• Frankfurt school: claim popular culture diverts attention away from the real problems of society
• people are becoming obsessed with products and over re;y on them
• they gain pleasure by having the latest products
• this allows the rich to stay rich by us buying the commodity

Question 2

What is false needs?

Answer 2

• instilling the belief that people need products in order to conform to certain lifestyles - convince people they really need it when they don’t
• companies deliberately short life spans so people buy replacements
• this helps maintain capitalism as more people would have to pay for new products and would continue buying from the rich

Question 3

What is conspicuous consumption?

Answer 3

• the benefits that some products and brands have more meaning than others
• this helps maintain capitalism as people would continue to purchase brands that have higher status - helps the rich stay rich