Activity 2 page 2

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In Activity 1, you determined that quality of life is impacted by many factors. Reflect on the factors that are important to your quality of life.

Compared to the rest of the world, Canadians generally have a high quality of life. Part of this high quality of life is the standard of living or amount of money available to each person. As a result, many Canadians have the opportunity to purchase goods and services regularly.

Consumer behaviour, or consumerism, has the potential to impact greatly your quality of life.

You already have the term consumerism and a definition that you developed in your Issues for Canadians Definitions handout. Continue to add to your understanding of the term consumerism as you complete this activity.

consumerism: an economic theory that links prosperity to consumer demand for goods and services, and that makes consumer behaviour central to economic decision-making

Patricia Lychak et al., Issues for Canadians: Student Resource (Scarborough: Nelson Education Ltd., 2008). 375. Reproduced by permission.

What guides your behaviour as a consumer?

Read the first two paragraphs only on page 243 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians. Allow yourself to imagine the situation that is provided. Can you identify some items that you might buy?

Then, finish reading page 243 of your textbook.

Now, consider carefully each factor presented beginning on page 244. Consider how each factor affects your decision-making as a consumer. Make notes about any key points you learn.

Complete the Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour graphic organizer to record your notes. Click on one of the links below to access the organizer.

Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour (Word)
Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour (pdf)
Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour (Google Doc)

Follow the steps below to help you complete this activity.

Note: The Did you Know? sections focus on government legislation in Canada and the United States. Include this information in your notes.

• Step 1: Your identity can influence what you purchase. Read pages 244 and 245 of your textbook. Place any key points regarding identity and consumer behaviour into your graphic organizer. Answer the question in blue text at the bottom left corner of page 244 of your textbook, and add your thoughts to your notes.
  
  

• Step 2: How do health and safety decisions by government affect what consumers purchase? Read pages 248 and 249 of your textbook. Record any key points regarding health and safety, and respond to the question in blue text at the bottom of page 248 in your graphic organizer.
  
  

• Step 3: Being employed and having job security can influence consumer decisions. Examine pages 250 and 251 of your textbook. After reading both pages, record any key points regarding jobs and respond to the question in blue text in the side margin on page 250 in your graphic organizer.
  
  

• Step 4: Continue with the pen example on page 250. Find out how the environment can factor into consumer choice by reading pages 252 and 253 of your textbook. Record any key points to your notes, and then respond to the "Critical Thinking Challenge" question at the top of page 253. Place your thoughts into your graphic organizer.
  
  

• Step 5: Finally, the way producers market their products can affect consumer decisions. Read pages 254 and 255 of your textbook. In your graphic organizer, record your key points about marketing and respond briefly to the "Critical Thinking Challenge" question on page 254.
  
  
  
• Step 6: Place your completed Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour organizer into your Activities folder.

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Read page 74 of your Issues for Canadians textbook to learn how to read political cartoons.

Examine "Cartoons about Consumerism" on page 256 of your textbook, Issues for Canadians.

A political cartoon says something about an issue. It may be a comment about a political issue, government, people, or events. The two political cartoons on page 256 are commenting on consumer behaviour.

Artists use symbols, images, and words (in speech balloons, captions, and titles) to convey a message to an audience.

Complete the Cartoon Analysis activity by clicking on one of the links below.

Cartoon Analysis (Word)
Cartoon Analysis (pdf)
Cartoon Analysis (Google Doc)

Save your completed handout to your Activities folder.

Going Beyond

Consumerism is viewed differently by various people. Examine how Dr. Seuss understood the concept of consumerism in his story, The Lorax. You may need to consult your local library or bookstore to get a copy of the book or video.

View the movie, Tucker: The Man and His Dream. Review the factors that influence consumer decisions as you watch the video. Take notes on these factors: identity, health and safety, jobs, environment, and marketing. You may find this video at your local library or video rental outlet.