The latest study conducted by the
psychologists of Northwestern University relating to
consumerism confirms the
vanity of human wishes including materialism and consumerism. (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/consumerism-and-its-antisocial-effects-can-be-turned-onor-off.html
).The research shows that that people
who place a high value on wealth, status, and stuff are more depressed and
anxious and less sociable than those who do not. Apart from above worthlessness
of these values which are on the top of the wish list of every one in today’s
world, the Consumerism and materialism influence the human attitude to act in a
ways which are less ecologically beneficial and indirectly force human being to
behave in less social manner.
"The
more we consume, the happier we will be. Or so we like to believe. But for the
planet, it's disastrous." - George
Monbiot .
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The simple indicator reflecting the surging economic
growth of developing countries including India is the number of millionaires
and Billionaires. There were 85000 millionaires in India in 2005 which rose to
153000 in 2011 apart from having 55
Billionaires (2011). However on the
other side we are witnessing the continued degradation of environmental
conditions, over exploitation , social unrest, corruption and other socio-environmental
problems. These offshoots of growing economies are one of the major challenges which
the developing countries are going to face in coming years.
So we have a
bigger question to ask.
What kind of life
style we shall adopt?
One that is full with
high materialistic value, consumerism and supporting exploiting of resources unmindful........
or
the one that is socially just, responsible, environmental friendly and rational
in consumerism..
