Affluenza, a combination of the words affluence and influenza, is a term used by critics of capitalism and consumerism. Sources define this term as follows:
- affluenza, n. a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more. (de Graaf [1])
- affluenza, n. 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by the pursuit of the American Dream. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth. (PBS [1])
Proponents of the term consider that the prizing of endless increases in material wealth may lead to feelings of worthlessness and dissatisfaction rather than experiences of a 'better life', and that these symptoms may be usefully captured with the metaphor of a disease. They claim some or even many of those who become wealthy will find the economic success leaving them unfulfilled and hungry only for more wealth, finding that they are unable to get pleasure from the things they buy and that increasingly material things may come to dominate their time and thoughts to the detriment of personal relationships and to feelings of happiness. The condition is considered particularly acute amongst those with inherited wealth, who are often said to experience guilt, lack of purpose and dissolute behavior, as well as obsession with holding on to the wealth (John Levy's Coping with Inherited Wealth - see [2]). Proponents also note survey evidence that suggest that levels of happiness have not increase in the last 50 years of economic growth in the West[citation needed].
A potential criticism of the idea of affuenza is that it presents subjective social critique as an objective inevitable and debilitating illness.
The Affluenza theory
British psychologist Oliver James asserts that there is a correlation between the increasing nature of affluenza and the resulting increase in material inequality: the more unequal a society, the greater the unhappiness of its citizens.[2]. Referring to Vance Packard's thesis (The Hidden Persuaders) on the manipulative methods used by the advertising industry, James relates the stimulation of artificial needs to the rise in affluenza. To highlight the spread of affluenza in societies with varied levels of inequality, James interviewed people in several cities including Sydney, Singapore, Auckland, Moscow, Shanghai, Copenhagen and New York.
James also believes that higher rates of mental disorders are the consequence of excessive wealth-seeking in consumerist nations.[3]. He cites World Health Organization data that English-speaking nations have twice as much mental illness as mainland Europe: 23% vs 11.5% suffered in the twelve months ending[when?]. James defines affluenza as 'placing a high value on money, possessions, appearances (physical and social) and fame,' and this becomes the rationale behind the increasing mental illness in English-speaking societies. He explains the greater incidence of affluenza as the result of 'Selfish Capitalism,' the Market Liberal political governance found in English-speaking nations as compared to the less selfish capitalism pursued in mainland Europe. James asserts that societies can remove the negative consumerist effects by pursuing real needs over perceived wants, and by defining themselves as having value independent of their material possessions.
Affluenza by country
Australia
Clive Hamilton and Richard Denniss' book[4] poses the question, "If the economy has been doing so well, why are we not becoming happier?" (pvii). They argue that affluenza causes over-consumption, "luxury fever", consumer debt, overwork, waste, and harm to the environment. These pressures lead to "psychological disorders, alienation and distress" (p179), causing people to "self-medicate with mood-altering drugs and excessive alcohol consumption" (p180).
They note that a number of Australians have reacted by "downshifting" — they decided to "reduce their incomes and place family, friends and contentment above money in determining their life goals." Their critique leads them to identify the need for an "alternative political philosophy," and the book concludes with a "political manifesto for wellbeing" (see [3]).
Affluenza in popular culture
- Affluenza is mentioned in Chumbawamba's song "Buy Nothing Day" and "1 and 3" by the punk-rock band MxPx, and is the name of the debut album of Boston band Count Zero.
- Radio talker Rush Limbaugh regularly runs a parody advertisement mocking the concept and suggesting that those "stricken with affluenza" can be cured by listening to his program. Rush's offer to 'cure' affluenza, by what is presumed to imply a renewed enthusiasm for self reliance and achievement - acquired via exposure to his program - has led to commentary that Rush may not in fact understand what the concept of affluenza actually means.
- The charity The Samaritans agreed to be part of the multi disciplinary arts exhibition Affluenza Exhibition in London 2009 where artists create work surrounding the theme of affluenza itself.
The Affluenza Exhibition was initiated by photographer and Samaritans volunteer Hege Sæbjørnsen, [4] Working with fellow creatives Iskra Tsaneva, Chelsey Browne and Kate Andrews plus a number of other volunteers, they collaborate with the Samaritans and Oliver James. The project can be accessed here [5] The exhibition with talks and events will take place in Clerkenwell, London on the 19-28 March 2009. Funded by UnLtd Awards [6] and The Norwegian Embassy [7].
Pop cultural uses
- Canadian Songwriter and Musician J.P. Winslow's second album is entitled "Affluenza".
See also
References
Further reading
External links
