Description
Christmas and Consumerism
Book Summary
This work offers a critical and documented analysis of how Christmas, a holiday of religious origin, has been transformed by capitalist society into an engine of extreme consumerism. The reader will find an investigation that debunks historical myths and exposes the environmental and social consequences of excessive consumption during the holidays. An essay that invites reflection on the true spirit of Christmas and the need to adopt more sustainable and ethical practices.
What is it about?
The book examines the phenomenon of Christmas consumerism from multiple perspectives. It begins by analyzing how the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle lose their effectiveness in the face of the exponential increase in the consumption of goods during Christmas. It then debunks the historical myth of the holiday, revealing that its date and celebration are inventions of the Catholic Church, and how the tradition has been adulterated and acculturated over the centuries. The text also questions the consumerist fallacies of neoliberalism, an ideology that replaced the English model of domination, criticizing indicators such as GDP and the false belief that consumerism provides happiness. Finally, it appeals to a consumer ethic that fosters sustainability in the face of irresponsible consumption.
Main themes
- Critique of Christmas consumerism and its environmental and social consequences.
- Historical debunking of the origin and evolution of Christmas as a holiday.
- Analysis of the fallacies of neoliberalism and the ideology of the American empire.
- Relationship between consumption, happiness, and economic development.
- Proposal for a consumer ethic based on sustainability and responsibility.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in social criticism, responsible consumption, and ecology. It is especially recommended for those who wish to understand the dynamics of capitalism applied to traditional holidays, as well as for people seeking sustainable alternatives to excessive consumption. It is ideal for social science students, environmental activists, and any reader who questions the values imposed by consumer society.
What this book contributes
- A critical and documented vision of the transformation of Christmas into a consumerist holiday.
- Keys to debunking historical myths and dominant ideologies.
- Reflections on adopting more conscious and ethical consumption during the holidays.
- Tools for questioning economic indicators such as GDP and their relationship with well-being.
Technical details
- Author: Branco Buxán, Xosé Ramón
- Publisher: Edicions Laiovento, S.L.
- Language: Galician
- Subject: Consumerism
- Collection: Essay
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2024
- Number of pages: 266
- Weight: 314 g
Editorial review
A necessary and timely essay that invites reflection on one of the most deep-rooted phenomena in contemporary society. The work stands out for its critical and rigorous approach, which combines historical, economic, and social analysis. Recommended for those who seek to understand the origins of Christmas consumerism and wish to explore more sustainable and ethical alternatives for celebrating the holidays.