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The world of objects : production, consumption, recycling
The evolution of consumption : from abundance to awareness
The way we produce and consume objects says a lot about who we are as a society. In the 20th century, industrial growth and capitalism gave rise to a culture of mass consumption. Factories produced more, faster, and cheaper, changing everyday life. The Fordist model, an ideology of advanced capitalism named after Henry Ford, promoted assembly-line work and affordable products, especially cars. It helped create a middle class and a belief in progress through consumption.
But over time, this model faced crises. The Great Depression in the 1930s showed the dangers of overproduction and economic imbalance. Later, globalisation moved production to cheaper countries, while consumption continued to grow in richer ones.
In the 21st century, new challenges have emerged : climate change, resource depletion, and waste management. Many now question the idea that “more is better.” Instead, people explore alternatives : recycling, repairing, buying second-hand, or sharing goods instead of owning them. This is part of a shift toward sustainable living and sometimes even degrowth, a concept that promotes producing and consuming less to protect the planet and improve well-being.
Thus, the object itself is no longer just a symbol of success, it reflects new values like responsibility, solidarity, and innovation.
From Ford to the future : objects and their impact
In the early 20th century, Henry Ford revolutionized production. His car factory system reduced costs and made products like the Model T accessible to many Americans. This contributed to the rise of the American consumer society, where new products became part of everyday life : home appliances, televisions, clothes, and more.
But the model had limits. The Great Depression in 1929 caused a collapse in demand, leading to unemployment and poverty. Later, economic booms created overconsumption and waste. Fast fashion, plastic packaging, and electronic devices piled up while pollution and inequality grew.
Today, new ideas are reshaping this landscape. The sharing economy, seen in platforms like Airbnb or Vinted, allows people to use or exchange goods without buying new ones. Some companies now use recycled materials or offer repairable products. Governments encourage circular economies, where waste is reused and resources are saved.
Young consumers also push for ethical brands and green innovation. From reusable bags to upcycled furniture or clothes, objects are not just useful, they carry meaning. This new approach doesn’t reject consumption, but asks : what do we consume, how, and why ? In this transition, every object becomes a choice.
