Question

In BIOL350 we interpreted conspicuous, addictive consumerism in terms of evolutionary roots. Describe the main points involved in these interpretations.

A) Consumerism as a byproduct; Seeking status and resources for reproductive success
B) Genetic determinism; Fixed behavior patterns and innate materialistic tendencies
C) Cultural determinism; Influence of advertising and societal expectations
D) Reduced resource availability; Evolutionary adaptation for resource conservation

Answer 1

Consumerism can be interpreted through evolutionary theory by looking at it as a byproduct of status seeking, considering genetic determinism with fixed behavior patterns, assessing the influence of cultural determinism through advertising and societal norms, and viewing it as an adaptive response to resource scarcity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interpretations of conspicuous, addictive consumerism in BIOL350, through an evolutionary perspective, include several key points.

Consumerism as a byproduct: This perspective sees consumerism as a byproduct of innate human drives for improved status and resource acquisition, which historically increased reproductive success.

Genetic determinism: Suggests that certain behavior patterns, like materialistic tendencies, are innate and mainly determined by our genetic makeup.

Cultural determinism: Argues that consumer behaviors are heavily influenced by cultural factors like advertising and societal expectations, rather than being solely innate.

Reduced resource availability: Relates to an evolutionary adaptation perspective, where consumerism may be a modern expression of an ancient adaptive strategy for resource conservation and ensuring survival in scarce environments.