Primitive Aspects of Consumption in Modern American Society
- 1 September 1985
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Journal of Consumer Research
- Vol. 12 (2) , 142-154
- https://doi.org/10.1086/208503
Abstract
This article challenges the widely held assumption that the United States of America possesses a society characterized by modern values and a secular consumption ethic. Drawing upon concepts and techniques utilized by cultural anthropologists in the study of nonindustrialized societies, evidence is presented to support a view of U.S. consumption as an outlet for spiritual expression and the preservation of ethnic heritage. Humanistic research approaches such as participant observation are advocated.Keywords
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