July 9th, from 3:45PM to 5:15PM

11th Session : « Is consumerism progress of democracy? »
Introduction by Bernard Stiegler
Circle of Economists (from July 8th to 10th) – Aix-en-Provence’s Festival

Is consumerism progress of the democracy?

The word consumerism designates in a derogatory way the evolution of our societies towards values attached to material possession and consumption. It is sometimes – paradoxically – progress because it brings more well-being to consumers. It implies that those people are capable of gathering to fight for their interest: are they held prisoners by the firms that sells them wares, fashions but also social pressure? Or do they on the contrary have the means to make themselves heard?

To respond these stakes, the State has regulated abuses by the law of concurrence and the right to consumption. But both of them can be conflictual. State has also implemented public policies so as to balance relations between individuals and companies. But the individual, which is both consumer and actor, can have diverging interests.Thus, implementation of consumers’ initiatives doesn’t come without difficulties: is it better to encourage class actions?

Learn more: Circle of Economists’ website