The Story of... Video Series by Story of Stuff Project

Cool video, The Story of Stuff, Annie Leonard discusses the Consumption Model, the various effects of consumption, and how the model came about in the 50s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GorqroigqM&feature=channel_page

A pdf of the script, complete with cites, can be found here: http://dev.storyofstuff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/annie_leonard_footnoted_script.pdf

A pdf of Victor Lebow's 1955 "The Journal of Retailing" can be found here: http://classroom.sdmesa.edu/pjacoby/journal-of-retailing.pdf.

The folks behind the consumption model were the same folks who invented and popularized the concept of the nuclear family - if every couple (and their children) needed a house, then they'd also need a dishwasher, a toaster, a car - it would maximize consumption. "Leave it to Beaver" and such-like TV shows were used to promote the concept.

Alchemist George wrote:The folks behind the consumption model were the same folks who invented and popularized the concept of the nuclear family - if every couple (and their children) needed a house, then they'd also need a dishwasher, a toaster, a car - it would maximize consumption. "Leave it to Beaver" and such-like TV shows were used to promote the concept.

It makes sense to me, George. I remember the washer/dryer combination that my parents bought in the late 50's, and (more vaguely) conversation about how it really wasn't more economical in the long run, but wives would work to get their labor saving appliances and not be so bored at home. Retail therapy as a way to overcome the cocktail hour and "mother's little helper"?

great educational material .. (I'm sorry for pessimistic spirit .. imo ..) but way too late

I found it among others interesting documentaries all packed under name;

The System Isn't Working, Debt, Slavery, Pollution, Gangs, Poverty, Deforestation [LitZ~Bundle]