Consumerism is an economic belief system that buying things serves a positive purpose for society and the individual. It is a part of capitalism. Buying and selling beyond our basic needs, and with an ever expanding eye for the acquisition of something new, are the engines that drive capitalism. Its based on the concept that humans will always want more: money, power, and things. Competition and appearances also contribute to the desire to consume.

Mass production has allowed consumerism to spread to almost all levels of society, from the rich to the poor. Many consumer products dropped in price. Although the wealthy spent on luxury goods and shows of wealth before mass consumption. For the poor before mass production, goods were only purchased when needed, to ease a task, and increase the ability to survive. They bought things directly related to food, shelter, and clothing and very little else.

From the experience of minime:

When I read the Little House books, the children got a small amount of money, oranges, and homemade rag dolls for Christmas. I live in a more consumerist society, and I get a lot of things for Christmas and birthdays. Other than clothes, none of my gifts are necessities.

Thorstein Veblen coined the term ‘conspicuous consumption’. The obtaining and flaunting or showing off of material goods(stuff you buy) makes people think you are rich, gives off the perception of wealth and success. Advertising and marketing grew and became ingrained with our culture, so that consumerism is second nature to most people.

More from minime:

When I was little, I used to watch Ryan’s Toy Review. Back then, I liked that stuff, but I didn’t know the toys were real, and so it did not make me more materialistic. Even now, I just ask for a few things.

And I agree, minime is not particularly materialistic, unless it comes to seasonal things. My boy loves his holidays
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In some cases, companies spend more on marketing and advertising than they do on production, like with advertising Elf on a Shelf, Elf Pet, and Elf Mates. There are movies and books. I like Christmas and so I have fallen for the marketing. I have all the Elf Mates, an Elf on the Shelf, and a book, which I got on a season ending sale. But the elves have become a Christmas tradition and I think they are worth it. I am careful with my money and think about things before I buy them.