How do you see the role of consumption in structuring your day-to-day existence?

The picture on the right is a hoodie that I "consume"/wear regularly. To me, this hoodie and other clothes that I wear/consume in general, help to define and shape my own self-identity. Solier (2013) also states that we make "our selections from the array of goods on offer and combine them to shape who we are or who we want to be: selves, then, are made through things" (Solier, 2013, p. 14). Generally, consumption is defined as satisfying needs (Clark, 2003). However, the notion of needs should be explained as well. A need gives the impression that it is necessary for one to exist since when a need is satisfied it will provide happiness, however on the other hand, it would cause unhappiness if it is not fulfilled (Clark, 2003). This is also known as a “moral doctrine” in developed countries where consumerism is considered as the means for to control, freedom and pleasure (Gabriel & Lang, 2006). In my opinion, consumption plays an important role in structuring my day-to-day existence. If I don't consume daily, whether if it's in terms of food, clothes, water, a tooth brush, a pair of shoes etc... I would not feel normal as those form part of my daily routines and they are quite significant.

Without consumption, I would not be able to have a normal day since most of my day is based on the things I consume. For instance, if I don't consume food or water, I would always feel hungry or dehydrated, which could be detrimental to my overall health. Without clothes, I would not be able to go anywhere, it might also be uncomfortable. Hence, consumption really structures my day-to-day existence. I really think that consumption affects my happiness as if I don't consume daily, I would not feel happy or at ease. The picture below is just a picture of a cup of coffee that I was drinking the other day.

Coffee is a beverage that I consume daily as I feel that it gives me energy and helps me to stay more alert. I don't think that I would be able to function normally without it on certain days specially when I'm feeling very tired. Although too much is not good, I try to limit it to only one time per day and on some days, I might not drink coffee at all depending on how I am feeling. Water is another beverage of choice that I tend to drink a lot every day as it's really good for health and it keeps me well-hydrated.

Another example of consumption involves the introduction of newer models of mobile phone each year. While a mobile device that is a few years old can be perfectly functional and adequate, consumption drives people to abandon those devices and purchase newer ones on a regular basis. The picture here is a picture of my own mobile phone. It's a Samsung Galaxy S20+. I used to own a Samsung Galaxy S7 then I decided to upgrade after a while. I can say that my mobile phone is an accessory which I consume A LOT every day! It's one of the things that I consume the most. It's probably not the case for me only as if you are/go anywhere, for instance in the bus, at a restaurant, in a waiting room, at an event, a party or gathering… just about anywhere; people almost all the time have their eyes glued to their phone. Through a mobile phone, one can consume a lot of different things such as photos, music, videos, all kinds of information, the internet etc. To me, my mobile phone is vital and I consume it and its content every day. I can confidently say that it really helps to structure my day-to-day existence. Solier (2013) suggests that, "it's through consumption that we make ourselves today" (Solier, 2013, p. 14). I like shopping. I like to shop for clothing, shoes, mobiles phones etc... and this type of shopping is known as Expressive Shopping. Expressive shopping is defined as when people tend to "buy goods that will allow them to project an image of themselves that they wish to portray" (Timothy, 2005, p. 16). Shopping for such things such as clothing and other accessories allow consumers to form an identity by which they can be recognized and / or admired (Timothy, 2005, p.16). This relates to my first point above in regards to my hoodie where I stated that it helps to shape/define my identity. It can be said that I consume and I will keep on consuming. People are always buying and owning more stuff and they are able to define their identity through what they own. Without my own individual identity, I would feel like as if my day-to-day existence is not as structured and its consumption that really allows oneself to build/shape one's own unique identity.