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Showing posts with the label How to avoid the Diderot effect or chain purchasing?

The Story of Sukanya and Sage Chyavana

Introduction In Sanatan Scriptures, Sukanya was the daughter of King Sharyati, son of Vaivasvata Manu, and later became the wife of the great sage Chyavana. The sage had spent so many years in deep meditation that his body was covered by an anthill and a bird’s nest had formed over him. One day, the young and curious Sukanya noticed two shining objects inside the nest. Unaware that they were the sage’s eyes, she playfully poked at them, causing him to lose his sight. Enraged by this act, Chyavana cursed the kingdom, but Sukanya’s father pacified him by offering his daughter’s hand in marriage. Despite Chyavana’s old age and blindness, Sukanya accepted her role as his wife and devotedly cared for him with cheerfulness and loyalty. One day, the celestial physicians of the gods, the Ashwini Kumaras—twin brothers renowned for their beauty and healing powers—saw Sukanya and were struck by her radiant charm. Believing her beauty was better suited for heaven, they asked her to abandon her hus...

Diderot Effect: The Spending Spiral

Introduction The Diderot effect term was first coined by, Grant McCracken, an anthropologist, and scholar of consumption patterns in 1988. It is named after a French philosopher, Denis Diderot (1713-1784), who first described this effect in an essay. It is a social phenomenon of a new possession that creates a spiral of dissatisfaction which leads to chain purchasing. Sustainable consumption is very important as a purchase or a gift creates dissatisfaction regarding the existing possessions. This provokes a potentially spiraling pattern of consumption that leads to negative social and psychological impacts. Commercials and various other marketing strategies that surround consumers, around the clock have far-reaching side effects and are damaging to individuals and families. Examples of the Diderot Effect 1. When you buy a new dress, it creates the need for matching new shoes, accessories, handbags, etc. 2. When you take a gym membership, it creates the need of buying new gym clothes, s...