Which of the following was not a feature of the rise of “consumer culture”?
increased consumer purchasing power
decreased government taxation
offers of store credit and installment plans
use of advertising to encourage spending
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is decreased government taxation.
The rise of “consumer culture” in the early 20th century was driven by several key factors that made it easier for people to purchase goods and services on a larger scale. However, decreased government taxation was not one of those factors.
Here’s why:
- Increased consumer purchasing power: The growth of wages and the expansion of industries led to an increase in the purchasing power of consumers. As mass production made goods more affordable, people were able to buy more than before. This was a significant feature of consumer culture because more people had the means to participate in the economy as buyers, driving demand and economic growth.
- Offers of store credit and installment plans: These financial tools played a major role in the rise of consumer culture. By allowing consumers to buy goods and pay over time, store credit and installment plans made it possible for people to purchase high-ticket items like cars, appliances, and furniture that they otherwise might not have been able to afford. This shift helped increase overall consumption.
- Use of advertising to encourage spending: Advertising became a powerful force in shaping consumer culture. With the rise of mass media, companies could promote their products to a wide audience. Advertisements were designed to influence desires and create perceived needs, encouraging people to spend more and invest in a lifestyle associated with success, comfort, and modernity. This approach increased demand for various products and services.
- Decreased government taxation: While lower taxes could have contributed to more disposable income for consumers, this was not the primary factor in the rise of consumer culture. In fact, government spending, including taxes, often supported infrastructure and public programs that allowed for the expansion of consumer goods and services. Tax policies were not as directly tied to the development of consumer culture as the other factors were.