Question

Read this quotation by Alexis de Tocqueville, who toured the United States in 1840: "I accost an American sailor, and I inquire why the ships of his country are built so as to last but for a short time; he answers without hesitation that the art of navigation is every day making such rapid progress, that the finest vessel would become almost useless if it lasted beyond a certain number of years." The theory outlined in this quotation is the same one companies apply to a marketing strategy called ____________.

1) Disposable goods
2) "Buy now, pay later"
3) Short-order renewal
4) Planned obsolescence

Answer 1

The theory outlined in the quotation is called planned obsolescence, a marketing strategy where companies intentionally design products with a limited lifespan to encourage frequent replacement.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory outlined in the quotation by Alexis de Tocqueville is called planned obsolescence. Planned obsolescence is a marketing strategy in which companies intentionally design products to have a limited lifespan in order to encourage consumers to replace them more frequently.

This practice is often applied to technology and consumer goods, such as smartphones and household appliances. By creating a demand for newer models and upgrades, companies can drive sales and maintain competitiveness in the market.

Planned obsolescence ensures that consumers continue to purchase new products, even if their existing ones are still functional. It can be seen as a way to stimulate economic growth and job creation, but it also raises concerns about waste and sustainability.