Consuming, what con'sumer are you?

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the basic needs such as food and apparel (/ clothes) and more concentrated on dis’cretionary (/ superficial) items or needs like domestic appliances, education, and health. It means that the consumption pattern of Chinese people is following the example set by Western countries.

3 sectors that are going to increase the most and explain why: housing and utilities, health care and, to a lesser degree, recreation and education. More and more people can afford to eat and dress properly. Once these needs are fulfilled, they look for a more comfortable lifestyle, in a nice house.

Draw a portrait of the future average Chinese customer of 2025 compared to the one of 2005: The future average consumer will strongly look like any Western consumer of today, in terms of purchasing power. He will be less stressed by his basic needs in life and more intent on living in greater comfort, enjoying life in general, and discovering the world.

b) In developed countries: Spain, Sweden and the UK:

A study by UNICEF, comparing families in the UK, Sweden and Spain found that British parents buy brands in order to protect their children from bullying. Indeed, in the UK families felt under much greater pressure. Parents on/with low incomes were ready to get into debt to buy the right brand of trainers and electronic gadgets. Young people can be accepted by their group/peers if they have an Ipod and a BlackBerry. Spanish and Sweden children want to spend time with family and friends. Moreover, British parents worried about a shortage of time with their family. In comparison, parents in Spain and Sweden, seemed to find it easier set clear limits/boundaries by refusing to buy goods for their children. Also, family life is a part of the social fabric of everyday life in Sweden and Spain.

3. Definition of consumerism:

Consumerism is the belief that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable – the more people buy, the better. (It can also be the promotion of the consumer’s interests.)

The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, is also International Buy Nothing Day, (BND) a day to take a break from buying. BND was founded in Vancouver by artist Ted Dave. The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Canada in September 1992.

PROS of BND CONS of BND

• Saving money is good for your wallet.

• Most of the best deal are limited.

• Quantity is not the same things as quality. In a tough economy, thoughtful spending is more important than amount of spending.

• Solidarity with retail workers.

• Spend quality time with your relatives. • Spending helps the economy.

• If all goes as planned, you have the opportunity to get all your holiday shopping done in one day with no credit card debt.

• Unless you’re planning to live like the Amish, it is virtually impossible to entirely avoid buying any fruits of exploitation.

• Our holidays encourage consumerism. Christmas involves buying presents,

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