AFFLUENZA

Affluenza

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of Affluenza in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on Affluenza and its relation with the prevailing societal patterns apparent to us. The research also analyzes many aspects of Affluenza and tries to gauge its effect on human beings and their choices of earning in order to survive in a society. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for occurrences of Affluenza and tries to describe the overall effect of Affluenza on human development.

Table of Contents

Affluenza4

Background of the phenomenon4

Introduction4

Symptoms of Affluenza6

Can One Cure Affluenza?7

References9

Affluenza

“Too many people spend money they have not earned, to buy things they do not want, to impress people they don't like”

-Will Rogers

Background of the phenomenon

Sociology has been identified as a broad discipline, covering all concerns, issues and phenomena occurring within the bounding of society and vicinities we know of. When considering the occurrences of norms, customs and common traditions that individuals have, there are several occurrences that prevail amongst individuals, belonging to different classes. When people begin to earn a living, it is a universal fact that demand, in majority cases, will exceed the supply of any commodity, unit or service being offered by a organization. Thus, due to this gap of unfulfilled wishes and desires leads to a vengeance-like approach, adopted by people around their earning patterns, aiming to fulfill their status, reputation and ultimately satisfying themselves with the need of living their 'dreams' (Cavanaugh, 2009).

Introduction

The term affluenza was said to be coined by British psychologist, journalist and author Oliver James as a critic of consumerism. The term was first introduced in a documentary by the same name by John de Graf in 1997 for KCTS in Seattle, Washington, and Oregon Public Broadcasting. Later, de Graf, David Wann, and Thomas H. Taylor, in their book Affluenza: The All Consuming Epidemic, defined the term as “a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more” (James, 2007). The reference is a combination of two words affluent and influenza. In short, it is a new virus, a social disease, or even defined as a condition that creates debt, anxiety, overload and waste; the phenomenon is caused by the dogged pursuit of more (Lorenzi, 2010). While chasing the dream can have moments of glory, bring prestige and offer some luxury in life, eventually the pursuit of wealth takes away the prize. It leaves people to be unfilled because they are no longer receiving pleasure from obtaining items. Lack of purpose and passion is one thing, but when boredom and lack of purpose dominate the global culture it creates a slew of social and psychological issues, especially in youth. As we move forward with excessive consumption, it plunders the limited resources we have on the planet (Cavanaugh, 2009).

It consumes your time and prevents you from having a life. Time could be spent with loved ones or to follow pursuits with a purpose other ...