Creating Meaning and Identity through Consumption Essay

Under the current capitalism society and material culture, people tend to form their identities through consumption, this means more than to consume products which are needed to survive, consumption can also link to self-identity formation and expression. People are imperceptibly influenced by the mass media that self-identity can be shaped and formed through consuming specific products. Therefore it can be said, fashion is an important element of identity formation. Young people are commonly feared of being seen as outdated and seek for acceptance from the peers and the society. According to Erikson’s theory of personal social and personal development adolescences and young adults see peers as a critical influence, acceptance of peers†¦show more content†¦It can also be said, a very large part our identities-our sense of who and what we are-take shape in terms of how we balance and attempt to resolve the ambivalences to which our natures, our times, and our culture make us heir. (Davis, 1992). As Cameron,D (2000), did a research about the youth fashion in Japan, she interviewed few young people who are about 18 to 20 years old about the street fashion. Some young people even claimed, â€Å"it is not worth looking at someone who’s not fashionable. Young people are easily influenced by peers and the media. Acceptance form peers or society and maintain self-esteem is critical for youths’ adolescent, therefore they would usually follow the trends of fashion and build up their identities with objects in order to avoid being teased or left out. In the process of identity-formation through fashion, media do play an important role. People are imperceptibly influenced by the mass media that self-identity can be shaped and formed through consuming specific products. The advertisements on television, newspaper, magazines and radio overwhelm young people with concepts that â€Å" you look good with trendy products†. 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