Reasons for the Spread of Consumer Culture: a Field Study in Iraq

Abstract

This study aims to provide light on consumer culture, a significant economic phenomenon that has become more intense in recent years. We have looked at the definition and causes of value conflict in the Iraqi public as part of our response to the theoretical and intellectual discussions surrounding consumer culture. We have also looked at how it affects social interactions and how this conflict interacts with consumer culture, as demonstrated by the wide variety of contemporary consumer values.  The analysis's conclusions indicate that there is a positive relationship between consumer culture indicators and young people's level of value conflict. The goal of the study was to shed light on Mosul, Iraq's consumption culture and to identify the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence consumption in addition to consumer protection organisations and rights. The opinions of respondents are consistent when it comes to keeping up with modernity in basic (necessary) consumption; when asked about food consumption, 72% of respondents said they would do so. This illustrates how consumers are becoming more aware of the value of maintaining a healthy diet. On the Council side, 85% of respondents answered "yes". We discovered that 83% of those who responded "yes" when asked if they were interested in health conditions also said they kept up with current trends. Regarding necessities and apparent consumption, the majority (64.5%) would rather remain current with modernity. This is a notable indication of the growing consumer awareness among Mosul residents for several reasons, including the city's accelerating rate of urbanisation. The result is evident to tourists: Mosul is a popular tourist destination that draws thousands of visitors from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The complexity of social interactions and people's growing awareness of other cultures have an impact on the reality of consumption. The goal of spreading modern needs was at the top of the hierarchy of consumption motives, both in terms of quantity attained and hierarchy of hierarchy.