Consumerism as the danger for children and youth. Challenges for education. Cover Image

Konsumpcjonizm jako zagrożenie dzieci i młodzieży. Wyzwania dla edukacji.
Consumerism as the danger for children and youth. Challenges for education.

Author(s): Alina Krajewska
Subject(s): Education, Culture and social structure , Social development, Family and social welfare
Published by: Wydawnictwo Wyższej Szkoły Gospodarki Euroregionalnej im. Alcide De Gasperi w Józefowie
Keywords: consumerism; unstable consumerism; dangers; youth; children;

Summary/Abstract: The turn of the 20th and 21st Century is characteristic of popularising consumptive style of life, which, through the dispersion of pop culture with varying degrees affects all the countries in the world, including those with the lower level of economic development. Generally totalising culture of irresistible consumption influences a modern man and penetrates all areas of his life. The main target of this article is to present some of the threats and results of common consumerism, orientated mainly on delivering pleasure, which effectively decomposes lives of children and youth in society and family. Considerable anxiety for quality of individual’s life is raised i.e. by cult of individualism, hedonistic and utilitarian human behaviour, new styles of lives of instant type, fragmentation of identity or ubiquitous entertainment leading to infantilization of thinking and behaviour as well as addictions. All of this, seriously disturbs the integral growth of human being. Therefore education meets new and difficult assignments. Their goal is to support and help young human being in understanding and overcome threats of modern reality. Above all, the former role and importance of family and other educational institutions should be re-established. At the same time, the competences in the range of critical and reflective analysing of the surrounding reality should be the young generation should be gave over to the young generation. The counterweight to consumerism, which one of signs is extreme individualism, should be promoting social and sympathetic attitudes and behaviours, as well as respect for human being, especially for the one, who is weak or ill.

  • Issue Year: 26/2015
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 115-127
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish