Life on credit and consumerism: a reversal in procrastination

Abstract

Despite the remarkable changes operated on the world of work, the most radical changes ever recorded in capitalism goes first of all the unusual emphasis on the ability of the proceeds from this activity ensure: a consumption capacity. Following the reflections of Richard Sennett and Zygmund Bauman, recorded in terms of a "Copernican revolution of capitalism" the extraordinary turn that inside this modern economic system, replacing the imperative of deferred satisfaction and long-term achievements (which are fundamental aspects the "heroic phase" of capitalism Marx Weber), the consumer principle of immediate and great satisfaction, as well as frugality by profligacy, asceticism by costly expense, savings compulsory practice and postponement by the unrestrained desire for happiness here and now hunted via consumption. With this text we propose therefore an analysis of the inflection values ​​marking the late capitalism of flexible economy and consumerist practices, compared to the old “ethics of procrastination” according to Weber.