The history of consumption: From luxury goods to a throwaway society
Consumption is a ubiquitous phenomenon in our modern world. It has changed drastically over the centuries, leaving a lasting mark on our lives and our society. What was once considered a mere luxury developed into a universal mass phenomenon with the Industrial Revolution. Technological progress and increased production ensured that more and more goods became affordable for the broader population. Over time, this development led to the emergence of today's throwaway society, in which products often have only short life cycles.
The history of consumption not only reveals a profound shift in consumption patterns, but also offers interesting insights into social and cultural dynamics. In the past, many things were considered valuable and passed down through generations; today, however, we often buy new products long before the old ones have outlived their usefulness. This transformation has both positive aspects, such as increased living standards, and negative aspects, such as immense environmental impacts. To understand the paradigm shift toward more conscious consumer behavior, it is worthwhile to take a look at the origins and developments of this consumer culture.