Sociology 211
Social Problems
Spring 2003
Dr. Scott Schaffer

Discussion Questions, Weeks 9-12: Consumerism and Society (Consumer Society Reader)

Due Date: Each day for discussion in class.

1. What is the essential set of claims made in this reading or set of readings? Do you see this set of claims verified or invalidated in your own experiences as a consumer?

2. By what mechanism does the author claim this particular social phenomenon occurs? Who are the main players or social actors in this situation? Is this action cyclical, or a one-time action? What causes this action to recur?

3. What kind of approach does the author take on the phenomenon they discuss (i.e., is it beneficial or detrimental; does it represent a change in what people have done before; etc.)?

4. How might this article serve as a model for your term project (in terms of argument, structure, or relevance to your topic)?

5. Given the audience of this reading, do you think the article was successful in developing its main claims? How convinced are you of the validity of the author’s ideas? What could be done to further convince you of this validity?

6. Given what you’ve read so far, how might you adapt or change your consumer behavior? What kinds of impacts do you think that change might have on the consumerist social order?