1. Definitions and historical background

1.1 Consumerist model from America

• Vocabulary and economic diagram

  The term "consumerism" only appeared in French vocabulary in the 1970s.

  According to the Petit Robert, "consumerism" is a term imported from the United States in 1972 to designate "consumer protection by associations". The consumer, "a person who uses goods or wealth to satisfy his or her needs", existed, but synonyms such as "acheteur" or "client" were also used, lacking the special connotation of the term "consumer" today.

  Why was consumerism so late in coming, when trade had already played a major role in our society for centuries? The reason is as much economic as sociological:...