Minimalism – a new mode of consumption?

Abstract

This article discusses minimalism as an example of anti-consumer-oriented social practices. the first section focuses on the assumptions of minimalism. The following parts refer to different variants of the relationship between minimalism and derivatives of consumption, i.e. anti-consumption and hyper-consumption (consumerism). The author also considers minimalism as a style of consumption and as a form of conscious consumption. The analysis is based on minimalist blogs and books.Keywords: minimalism, consumption, consumerism, alternative forms of consumption Minimalism is a lifestyle 1 that, according to its followers and some researchers, is characterized by an anti-consumerist approach combined with the demand for seeking meaning in life by means other than consumerism-oriented attitudes. Its main principle -"less is more" -is explained as "owning less" in order to achieve more in non-material aspects of life. Such a view of minimalism provides comprehensive instruments for carrying out life changes according to a specific pattern. These include: criticism of consumerism (excessive consumption); post-* Dr, Faculty of economics and Sociology, institute of Sociology, Department of Sociology of Culture; renata_dopierala@poczta.onet.pl 1 this is one of the many definitions of minimalism used primarily by its researchers. other terms appearing both in texts authored by minimalists themselves and (less frequently) in the secondary literature include: idea, ideology, way of life, philosophy, way of thinking, doctrine, attitude, fashion, and way.

Towards a Theory of Minimalism and Wellbeing

“…The current research required people to self-identify as minimalists, which could be a limitation as there is no set definition of minimalism. While some view minimalism as an anti-consumerist lifestyle that encourages finding meaning in life beyond the material (Dopierała 2017) or simply valuing fewer possessions (Alexander and Ussher 2012), others view minimalism as voluntary simplicity's 'second-wave' or use the terms interchangeably (Kasperek, 2014, as cited in Dopierała 2017. In contrast, some argue that a set definition is conflicting with the lifestyle, as becoming a minimalist requires "building and sustaining one's own self-definition" (Dopierała 2017, p. 69).…”

“…attitudes and behaviours, including a conscious decision to live with fewer possessions (Dopierała 2017). Proponents of minimalism suggest the lifestyle leads to "happiness, fulfilment, and freedom" (Fields Milburn and Nicodemus n.d.), however, these claims have not been scientifically validated.…”

Discourse Analysis Minimalism Lifestyle Trough YouTube

“…Sesuai dengan pernyataan "The life transformation proposed by minimalism begins with a recognition of what is unnecessary in life and getting rid of, limiting, or reducing reliance on such things" (Dopierala, 2017), gaya hidup minimalism diawali dengan memilah barangbarang apa saja yang dianggap penting dan tidak penting bagi para penganutnya. Bila Marie Kondo dengan metode KonMari selalu menanyakan "does it sparks joy?"…”

“…Barang-barang yang identik dengan gaya hidup ini, dinilai mahal dan mewah. Ini menjadi salah satu alasan mengapa gaya hidup minimalism populer di kalangan masyarakat kelas menengah atas, "this aspect is emphasized mainly by the critics of minimalism, who point out that it signifies a form of ostentation" (Dopierala, 2017). Menurut Dopierala, apa yang dilakukan oleh para minimalis hanyalah mempraktikkan status sosial mereka, atau yang disebut Veblen sebagai conspicuous consumption.…”

Research on the Acceptability of Minimalist Consumption in China

“…Instead, materially simpler lifestyles, such as minimalism, which focuses on intrinsic values, are believed to contribute to happiness and fulfillment (Hausen, 2019) [11] . Minimalism, promoted by those who wish to live a simple life based on conscious consumption, aims to reduce the disposal of materials and the accumulation of excess goods and supported by the idea that "less is more", they buy only what they think is necessary and challenge the so-called consumer society by avoiding excessive consumption (Dopierala, 2017) [10] . It can be found that they sought the maximum utility and value of the products in the process of consumption, and maintained a utilitarian attitude towards the products (Szmigin & Piacentini, 2018) [23].…”