'End of Bling is Nigh' warns new study

June 10, 2009

New research at the University of Leicester reveals that the recession will bring with it a new ‘economic ethic’ which will curtail the display of ostentation and conspicuous consumption.

The study reveals the recent global financial crisis seems to have a huge impact on consumers’ motivation to compete for social status.

The doctoral study by Georgios Patsiaouras, of the University of Leicester, School of Management, is entitled ‘Luxuries or necessities? Economic recession and its impact on conspicuous consumption.’

Patsiaouras argues that individuals consume and demonstrate products and services in order to achieve a desired status designation. Manufacturers, sellers and advertising agencies produce and promote goods that aim to satisfy consumers’ tendency to emulate ‘superior’ lifestyle groups.

But the recession has changed the normal state of play. Says Patsiaouras: “The recent global financial crisis seems to have a huge impact on consumers’ motivation to compete for social status and the game of conspicuous economic display will be played with different rules. The dominance of a competitive consumer ethos, especially amongst middle-income individuals, supported by bank credit facilities, surfeit of advertising messages and unprecedented conformity to emergent ‘lifestyles’ is over. Experiencing harder economic times, consumers’ desire to differentiate themselves via the exhibition of luxurious brands will be suppressed by financial constraints, social awareness and ethical considerations.”

“Sliding into the depths of a global financial recession, the levels of heightened materialism and ostentatious economic display will be reduced.”

Emerging from these straitened times will be a new type of economic consumer: “Perhaps, a ‘moderate’ consumer who distances himself from excessive and ostentatious consumption activities will emerge as an archetype of advertising strategies,” says Patsiaouras.

Source: University of Leicester (news : web)

• gopher65 - Jun 10, 2009
  • Rank: 2 / 5 (2)
  Something similar happened in the 80s. People use to brag about how much they paid for their new TV. Then, after the recession, people were bragging about how little they'd paid. It was a polar reversal in consumer habits (and it led to the rise of walmart and company). I wonder how things will change this time.
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• COCO - Jun 11, 2009
  • Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
  be great to see in this post-shock world that there would be a critical review of our spiritual selves - revealing the myths of ALL relgions and their child-like silliness would help the planet as much as careful consumption.
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