A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following is a characteristic of consumer culture?

1. Focus on social class

2. Importance of consumption over identity sources

3. Emphasis on community values

4. Reliance on agrarian societies

The correct answer is: Importance of consumption over identity sources

The focus on the importance of consumption over identity sources is a defining characteristic of consumer culture. In consumer culture, individuals often derive their identities and sense of self from the products they purchase and the consumption habits they adopt. This perspective emphasizes that what people buy and consume can signal their social status, lifestyle choices, and personal values, often more than traditional identity markers like occupation, education, or social class. In contrast, other options reflect elements that are less aligned with consumer culture. While social class might play a role in consumption patterns, it does not define consumer culture itself. Community values generally promote shared identity and cohesion rather than individualistic consumption. Lastly, reliance on agrarian societies is more indicative of pre-consumerist contexts, where identity and social structures were shaped significantly by land ownership and agricultural practices, not consumption in the marketplace. Thus, the essence of consumer culture is rooted in the prioritization of consumption as a means of self-expression and identity formation.