Planned Obsolescence

Definition

Planned obsolescence is a business strategy in which the lifespan of a product is intentionally limited to encourage repeat purchases. Manufacturers design products to become obsolete or non-functional within a specific timeframe, often shorter than the product's potential useful life, in order to drive consumer demand and increase sales.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Planned obsolescence emerged as a business strategy in the 1920s as a way to stimulate economic growth and consumer demand.
2. The practice of planned obsolescence is often criticized for its environmental impact, as it contributes to increased waste and resource depletion.
3. Manufacturers may use various techniques to limit a product's lifespan, such as using inferior materials, designing for easy breakage, or intentionally making parts difficult to repair or replace.
4. Planned obsolescence has been a driving force behind the rise of the 'throwaway culture' and the shift towards a more consumerist society in the 20th century.
5. The concept of planned obsolescence is closely linked to the emergence of a new American consumer culture in the early 20th century, as businesses sought to stimulate continuous economic growth through increased consumption.

Review Questions

• Explain how planned obsolescence contributed to the rise of a new American consumer culture in the 20th century.
  • Planned obsolescence was a key driver in the emergence of a new American consumer culture in the 20th century. By intentionally designing products with limited lifespans, manufacturers were able to stimulate continuous consumer demand and encourage repeat purchases. This shift away from a culture of durability and towards a 'throwaway' mentality was a central feature of the new consumerist society that developed in the United States during this period. Planned obsolescence enabled businesses to promote the idea that consumers should constantly acquire new and updated products, rather than repairing or maintaining existing ones, which helped to fuel the growth of a robust consumer economy.
• Analyze the environmental impact of planned obsolescence and its relationship to the concept of a 'throwaway culture'.
  • Planned obsolescence has significant environmental consequences, as it contributes to increased waste and resource depletion. By intentionally designing products to become obsolete or non-functional within a relatively short timeframe, manufacturers have promoted a 'throwaway culture' in which consumers frequently discard still-functioning products in favor of newer models. This has led to the accumulation of vast amounts of waste, often ending up in landfills or polluting the environment. Additionally, the constant replacement of products requires the extraction and processing of more raw materials, further straining the planet's finite resources. The environmental impact of planned obsolescence is a major criticism of this business strategy, as it undermines sustainability and places significant burdens on the natural world.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding the practice of planned obsolescence and its impact on consumer behavior and the economy.
  • The practice of planned obsolescence raises significant ethical concerns. By intentionally limiting the lifespan of products, manufacturers are prioritizing profits over the needs of consumers and the environment. This strategy exploits consumer desire for the latest and greatest products, while undermining the principles of sustainability and product durability. From an ethical standpoint, planned obsolescence can be seen as a form of deception, as it prevents consumers from making informed choices about the products they purchase. Additionally, the environmental impact of this practice, including increased waste and resource depletion, raises questions about the moral responsibility of businesses to consider the broader societal and ecological consequences of their actions. Ultimately, the ethics of planned obsolescence are complex, involving a balance between economic growth, consumer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship.

Related terms

Consumerism:

An economic and social order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-greater amounts.

Throwaway Culture: A culture in which people frequently discard products, often before they are worn out, in favor of newer or different items.

Perceived Obsolescence: The process of making a product appear outdated or less desirable, even though it may still be functional, in order to drive consumer demand for newer models.