By: Shannon Campbell
Part I: Definition & Argument of Planned Obsolescence
June 23, 2013
So, what is planned obsolesence? According to Dictionary.com, “it is a method of stimulating consumer demand by designing products that wear out or become outmoded after limited use”. It’s noted that planned obsolescense is a business strategy, and built from the conception of the product by its developers. According to TheEconomist.com, many consumers see planned obsolescence as a “sinister plot”. But Philip Kotler, an economist, argues, “much so-called planned obsolescence is the working of the competitive and technological forces in a free society—forces that lead to ever-improving goods and services.” The debate of planned obsolescence can really be looked at both ways. With one side arguing that is both a waste of resources and consumer spending, and the other side arguing that it is good for our economy and technological advances, we must further examine the specifics to identify which argument wins. Or…..is it ultimately up to the consumer to know more about what they are buying?
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