Consumer Ethics -- Considerations in a Global Market

Many people around the world work to consider consumer ethics and  make ethical consumer choices in their everyday lives. They do this in response to the troubling conditions that plague global supply chains and the human-made climate crisis. Approaching these issues from a sociological standpoint, we can see that our consumer choices matter because they have sweeping economic, social, environmental, and political implications that reach far beyond the context of our everyday lives. In this sense, what we choose to consume matters very much, and it is possible to be a conscientious, ethical consumer. However, is it necessarily this simple? When we broaden the critical lens through which we examine consumption, we see a more complicated picture. In this view, global capitalism and consumerism have created crises of ethics that make it very difficult to frame any form of consumption as ethical. Key Takeaways: Ethical Consumerism What we buy is often related to our cultural and educational capital, and consumption patterns can reinforce existing social hierarchies.One perspective suggests that consumerism may be at odds with ethical behavior, as consumerism seems to bring about a self-centered mentality.Although the choices we make as consumers do matter, a better strategy may be to strive for ethical citizenship rather than merely ethical consumption. Consumption and the Politics of Class At the center of this problem is that consumption is tangled up in the politics of class in some troubling ways. In his study of consumer culture in France, Pierre Bourdieu found that consumer habits tend to reflect the amount of cultural and educational capital one has and also the economic class position of one’s family. This would be a neutral outcome if the resulting consumer practices were not slotted into a hierarchy of tastes, with wealthy, formally educated people at the top, and the poor and not formally educated at the bottom. However, Bourdieu’s findings suggest that consumer habits both reflect and reproduce the class-based system of inequality that courses through industrial and post-industrial societies. As an example of how consumerism is tied to social class, think about the impression you might form of a person who frequents the opera, has a membership to an art museum, and enjoys collecting wine.  You probably imagined that this person is relatively wealthy and well-educated, even though these things weren’t explicitly stated. Another French sociologist, Jean Baudrillard, argued in For a Critique of the Political Economy of the Sign, that consumer goods have a â€Å"sign value† because they exist within the system of all goods. Within this system of goods/signs, the symbolic value of each good is determined primarily by how it is viewed in relation to others. So, cheap and knock-off goods exist in relation to mainstream and luxury goods, and business attire exists in relation to casual clothing and urban wear, for example. A hierarchy of goods, defined by quality, design, aesthetics, availability, and even ethics, begets a hierarchy of consumers. Those who can afford the goods at the top of the status pyramid are viewed in higher standing than their peers of lower economic classes and marginalized cultural backgrounds. You might be thinking, â€Å"So what? People buy what they can afford, and some people can afford more expensive things. What’s the big deal?† From a sociological standpoint, the big deal is the collection  of assumptions we make about people based on what they consume. Consider, for instance, how two hypothetical people might be perceived differently as they move through the world. A man in his sixties with clean cut hair, wearing a smart sport coat, pressed slacks and collared shirt, and a pair of shiny mahogany colored loafers drives a Mercedes sedan, frequents upscale bistros, and shops at fine stores like Neiman Marcus and Brooks Brothers. Those he encounters on a daily basis are likely to assume him smart, distinguished, accomplished, cultured, well-educated, and moneyed. He is likely to be treated with dignity and respect, unless he does something egregious to warrant otherwise. By contrast, a 17 year-old boy, wearing disheveled thrift store attire, drives his used truck to fast food restaurants and convenience stores, and shops at discount outlets and cheap  chain stores. It is likely that those he encounters will assume him to be poor and undereducated. He may experience disrespect and disregard on a daily basis, despite how he behaves toward others. Ethical Consumerism and Cultural Capital In a system of consumer signs, those who make the ethical choice to purchase fair trade, organic, locally grown, sweat-free, and sustainable goods are also often seen as morally superior to those who don’t know, or don’t care,  to make these kinds of purchases. In the landscape of consumer goods, being an ethical consumer awards one with heightened cultural capital and a higher social status in relation to other consumers. For example, buying a hybrid vehicle signals to others that one is concerned about environmental issues, and neighbors passing by the car in the driveway might even view the car’s owner more positively. However, someone who can’t afford to replace their 20-year-old car may care about the environment just as much, but they would be unable to demonstrate this through their patterns of consumption. A sociologist would then ask, if ethical consumption reproduces problematic hierarchies of class, race, and culture, then, how ethical is it? The Problem of Ethics in a Consumer Society Beyond the hierarchy of goods and people fostered by  consumerist culture, is it even possible to be an ethical consumer? According to Polish sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, a society of consumers thrives on and fuels rampant individualism and self-interest above all else. He argues that this stems from operating within a consumerist context in which we are obligated to consume to be the best, most desired and valued versions of ourselves. With time, this self-centered standpoint infuses all of our social relationships. In a society of consumers we are prone to be callous, selfish, and devoid of empathy and concern for others, and for the common good. Our lack of interest in the welfare of others is furthered by the waning of strong community ties in favor of fleeting, weak ties experienced only with others who share our consumer habits, like those we see at the cafà ©, the farmers market, or at a music festival. Rather than investing in communities and those within them, whether geographically rooted or otherwise, we instead operate as swarms, moving from one trend or event to the next. From a sociological standpoint, this signals a crisis of morals and ethics, because if we are not part of communities with others, we are unlikely to experience moral  solidarity with others around the shared values, beliefs, and practices that allow for cooperation and social stability. The research of Bourdieu, and the theoretical observations of Baudrillard and Bauman, raise the alarm in response to the idea that consumption can be ethical. While the choices we make as consumers do matter, practicing a truly ethical life requires going beyond just making different consumption patterns. For example, making ethical choices involves investing in strong community ties, working to be an ally to others in our community, and thinking critically and often beyond self-interest. It is difficult to do these things when navigating the world from the standpoint of a consumer. Rather, social, economic, and environmental justice follow from ethical  citizenship.

The Invasion Of Iraq By The United States Essay - 1847 Words

Over the previous two decades, the number of countries acquiring a democratic regime has increased dramatically. Democracy is a political regime allowing a system of government that is based on the belief of freedom and equal justice. Power is held by elected representatives through free and fair elections, resulting in a system that reflects the people’s choices. Democratic countries rarely, if ever, wage war on each other and tend to resolve disputes in a more peaceful manner rather than declaring war on their opposition. However, they are not the utopias of peace that many people envision democracies to be. The invasion of Iraq by the United States of America in 2003 stands as a strong example where the impact of a forced regime change has resulted in unrest and violence. IGO’s like the UN promote democracy in a less invasive and obstructive way and are a lot more successful. The invasion of Iraq clearly demonstrates the dangers of promoting democracy in an undemoc ratic international system. The spread of democracy cannot be imposed by force as it is discrediting the idea of freedom that the regime itself represents. Is democracy a reason for peace just as much as it is a justification for war? I believe democracy does make the world a more peaceful place, however, the forceful spread of democracy does not. Immanuel Kant in â€Å"Perpetual Peace† 1765 originally brought up the idea that democratic countries would be more peaceful than one with a monarchical governingShow MoreRelatedThe United States Invasion Of Iraq1683 Words   |  7 PagesThe Economic Surprise On March 20, 2003 the United States entered into a conflict on two fronts. While the United States military was moving into Iraq, the American economy was taking the first assault of a long and expensive fight. 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The importance of music Free Essays

Music first formed in ancient time and continued to develop simultaneously with civilization. It is said that without music, our world would become boring. Why music is so Important? Why many people spend a lot of time on listening to music? In fact, music affects us more than we know. We will write a custom essay sample on The importance of music or any similar topic only for you Order Now Music plays Important roles in our life: It connects people, entertains us and has other uses In particular times. First, music connects people. Different ages, different classes of people come closer getting know each other through music. Specifically, many international encores was held worldwide in a Joint effort to exchange culture and struck up or develop friendship. The countries, as a result, can lead to a multilateral development agreements. Moreover, the people in those countries can be pleased thanks to the influence of music idols. In addition, music can heal the breach between people. It reduces seriousness among those who are in debates. Familiar melodies bring back their memories, throw them back to their happy time In the past and it reconnects them In spiritual level. Besides, music encourages humanitarian actions. People often hold charity concerts and music makes them easy to emphasize with unfortunate lives. In other words, music brings us together. Second, music entertains us In many ways. After long hours working hard, listening to our favorite rhythm can help us relax or even stimulate our brain in order to keep on working efficiency. Furthermore, after a stressful day, music is one of the best ways to entertain. It can be exciting, gentle or soft, depending on the listeners’ sense. An amazing way to enjoy music is to attend concerts, theaters or just turn on TV and sites to our favorite songs. Moreover, if you can play musical instruments, it will be the best way to enjoy music. Playing music by ourselves, we understand completely the song and get closer to the singer. Music is an important part of our life. Entertainment Is the thing cannot be denied when we talk about music. Finally, music also has many good uses to people. Apparently, with music, we can express ourselves, our feeling, our thought and our emotion. For example, when we are sad, we prefer to listen to sad song like † unchain melody † In order to show our sadness. Moreover, music can create particular atmosphere for different situation. For instance, people prefer to open solemn music in some formal occasions. One more use of music is that it builds up nation esteem. Specifically, when listening to nation anthem,we are proud of our country more than ever. In short, music has many incredible uses that strongly affect our thoughts, our emotion and our work. In summary, music plays important roles in our life. Not only are the young people influenced by music but also the old can’t help enjoying the rhythm. Music relaxes us, assists us with many good things but its uppermost effect Is to bring us together. It is hard for us to Imagine a world without music, that would be boring and full of sadness. The importance of music By painlessly 2 is so important? Why many people spend a lot of time on listening to music? In fact, music affects us more than we know. Music plays important roles in our life: it connects people, entertains us and has other uses in particular times. Their memories, throw them back to their happy time in the past and it reconnects them in spiritual level. Besides, music encourages humanitarian actions. People often Second, music entertains us in many ways. After long hours working hard, listening to amazing way to enjoy music is to attend concerts, theaters or Just turn on TV and Entertainment is the thing cannot be denied when we talk about music. Finally, music we prefer to listen to sad song like † Unchain melody † in order to show our sadness. Influenced by music but also the old can’t help enjoying the rhythm. Music relaxes us, assists us with many good things but its uppermost effect is to bring us together. It is hard for us to imagine a world without music, that would be boring and full of How to cite The importance of music, Papers

Overcoming Marital Conflict Essay Example For Students

Overcoming Marital Conflict Essay Overcoming Marital Conflict Essay Marriages are made, not in heaven, but by wonderfully fallible human beings who hope for the best, but who often do precious little to make this most challenging and complicated relationship work. From the very first couple and their differing view point over the apple to modern times, men and women have always disagreed. Both sexes are born with inherently different personality traits. Although mankind knows they will never see eye to eye with the opposite; they still are attracted to them, perhaps for that very reason. Unfortunately it also means there will be unavoidable conflict in the union of a woman and man. Womans inherent sexuality and the widely dissimilar sexuality of her mate is one of the primary conflicts in marriage. They will also find diversity in their views on sex, communication, emotional expression, nearly every aspect in their lives. Sex has made marriages and broken them. Great relationships do not always translate into wonderful sex! Many couples love each other deeply, but still dont have a fulfilling sexual relationship. Havelock Ellis (1859-1939) wrote in The New Spirit, The omnipresent process of sex, as it is woven into the whole texture of our mans or womans body, is the pattern of all the process of life. This leads me to believe our sexuality is the core to ourselves. Unfortunately there are so many variants between men and women emotionally that unavoidable conflicts will surface in the bedroom. Adam and Eve are the only union who ever had the freedom of entering marriage and lovemaking with no preconceived ideas no hang-ups, and no inhibitions. Men and women each possess different outlooks toward the act of sex. Most women need an emotional connection prior to experiencing a truly satisfying sexual encounter. Whereas men tend to avoid deeply emotional bonding. Men can be happy with superficial love, not that all men stop there. Women also feel affection is the essential cement of her relationship with a man. She marries a man that cares about her, and she wants him to express his care often. Without it she usually feels alienated from him. With it she will become emotionally bonded to him. Learning the sexual outlook of each others partner will increase the ability to deal with the sexual conflicts that materialize. Fear of failure and rejection and the belief that something is wrong infiltrates many sexual experiences. Case studies show that most couples who complain of sexual problems in their marriages are really experiencing a deeper problem. Letting go of assumptions, most of which come from books, movies, and fantasies, and sharing desires and fears with their mate, their individual sexuality can and will become more fully and freely expressed. Communicating feelings and desires is the key to sexual contentment. Conversation in the state of intimacy should be respectful and non-judgmental. Partners, who share mistakes and failures, will see a closer bond of friendship and trust result. Not only can they learn to be closer through the success of their mate, but also in recognizing the vulnerable humanity from their failures. Couples can learn to express the deep love for each other and gratitude for the mutual care of one another. By lowering their defenses and forming a close emotional bond by communicating, theyll feel greater pleasure when meeting each others needs. This is the way marriage was meant to be. Just as men find sex enjoyable in its own right, most women enjoy conversation simply because they like to converse. While most men have a need for communication, this need is usually greater in women. This difference is often a source of great frustration. The Bloodcurdling Spirit Of Humanity: Feeding Off Essay Marriage counselors report that nearly one half of all the couples they see have serious problems communicating. Communication is extremely important in all areas of life, but in the intimate state of marriage it is vital. Therapists agree that although most couples have a sincere wish to actively discuss their sexual tensions they are unable to communicate successfully. This could be caused by their lack of communication skills. The average person may attend one formal class on effective communication in their lifetime. With the help of a disinterested party or working together, a husband and wife may initiate discussion of sexual problems. Several roadblocks to keeping the channel of communication open may be a mutual on singular unwillingness to compromise in resolving conflict, or inability to share personnel thoughts. Some individuals may honestly be ashamed or embarrassed to discuss sex. Normally such behaviors stem from prudish upbringing. Others may be afraid frank discussion would hurt .