Complete Sociology Task AL1 (STEF)

Instructions: Watch the 20 minute video “The Story of Stuff” online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GorqroigqM. Then answer the questions below.

[1] The U.S. is ________% of the world’s population, yet we use _______% of the world’s resources.

[2] What two things do we do with the little leisure time we do have?

[3] What is the difference between perceived obsolescence and planned obsolescence? Give examples.

[4] Annie Leonard says that “we aren’t paying for the stuff we buy.” What does this mean?

[5] Briefly explain why our primary identity in the U.S. now one of consumers. Use information from the chapters on culture and socialization to explain this answer.

Next, reread “You can make a difference” box in chapter one (page 27) and answer the questions below.

[6] What are the things economist Juliet Schor recommends we can do to avoid overspending?

[7] Finally, explain how structural-functionalists and conflict theorists would analyze our culture of consumption.