Growth of Consumerism:

The term "consumerism" refers to the resistance of consumers to misleading advertising, sales techniques and products. The development of consumer power took place in the USA between 1889 and 1925 when consumers developed their strength and realized the need for resisting misleading and unrealistic advertising. Women's organizations developed to resist “black" sales. In India, consumer power developed during the Swadeshi Andolan in 1922, which continued till 1950. The second period of growth of consumerism was between l926 and 1959 in the USA" Many books, articles and seminars were held on consumerism. Consumers' Union, Drug Control, etc., came into being during this period. In India, the growth of consumerism took place between 1951 and 1985. The third period, i.e. the surge of modern consumerism, started in India in 1986 when various organizations developed to protect the interests of the consumer. The consumers' Safety Act was enacted in 1989.

In America, consumers insisted on the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard. Many books on consumerism were written, which brought pressure to bear on manufacturers and traders so that there might be the right type of packaging, true labeling, truth in credit and substantiation of claims of deceptive products. In India, many voluntary organizations were formed to protect the interests of consumers. The misleading activities of advertisers were brought to the notice of the public. The government was apprised of the widespread practice of adulteration. Consumerism in India developed rapidly. Women's organizations have become very active in India to educate people about misleading advertising and products. There has been a great pressure on the government to enact suitable legislation to protect the interests of consumers. Advertising is criticized vehemently. The present laws in India may not be very useful unless consumers are educated and motivated to protect their interests. Consumerism in India has to be developed rapidly. The present state of consumerism in India is worse than it is in the USA. In America a tax was levied on advertising, to restrict the putting up of billboards along highways and to create a sense of purpose among consumers. The reasons for the growth of consumerism are technological development, water and air pollution, soaring prices, heavy taxes and other economic factors. Education and social consciousness have motivated people to safeguard their interests. In the Indian context, consumer protests have to be developed on a large scale.

Consumerism has a direct as well as indirect impact on advertising. If advertisers get the feedback that their presentation and announcements have been resisted by people, they would avoid misleading advertising. If they do not, their image would be tarnished. Advertisers have to evaluate the end results of their advertisements. Pre-assessment and evaluation will avoid unnecessary expenses on advertising. Therefore, advertisers should not feel that consumers are adversaries. They are, in fact, true guides for the success of advertising. Consumerism gives a boost to government control. The advertising research will not be required if consumer organizations provided adequate information and feedback on advertising. There-fore, consumers now receive the cooperation and assistance of many sound advertising agencies. Advertisers look upon their reactions as clues to the need for further development.