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Question: ‘There was a consumer revolution in eighteenth-century England. More men and women than ever before in human history enjoyed the experience of acquiring material possessions. Objects which for centuries been the privileged possessions of the rich came, within the space of a few generations, to be within the reach of a larger part of society than ever before, and, here for the first time, to be with in the legitimate aspirations of almost all of it. Objects which were once acquired as a result of inheritance at best, came to be the legitimate pursuit of a whole new class of consumers’ (McKendrick et al 1982 p. 1) Critically evaluate this statement.
Answer: Throughout the literature it is clear that there was a definite consumer revolution in the eighteenth century (Clarke, 2003; Lury, 1996; McCracken, 1990). McKendrick 1982 maintains that the ‘great transformation’ which occurred across Western societies in the eighteenth century was not only the result of an industrial revolution but also a consumer revolution. Mckendrick’s argument for the rise in consumer demand has been recognised by many as an acceptable account. However, this essay will demonstrate that there are many flaws in his work. In addition to this the paper will also highlight other theories in this field such as the work of Campbell on “the Romantic Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”, Social Emulation and urbanisation....(short extract)
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- Subject: History
- Course: British Economic and Social History
- Level: Degree
- Year: 2nd/3rd
- Mark: 64%
- Words: 1968
- Date submitted: April 13, 2009
- Date written: February, 2004
- References: Yes
- Document type: Essay*
- Essay ID: 1366
