Britain in grip of 'shopaholic' epidemic - The Telegraph

ninky_2

bendix wrote: »

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the worst thing that ever happened to capitalism is the introduction of the credit card.

In a single stroke it broke the link between effort (saving) and reward (spending), and has forever tarnished the joy of buying something that you have worked and saved for.

I pity those addicted to credit. They'll never experience that sense of joy and accomplishment.

but you could see the ability to acquire credit (and even more so to write it off) as a 'skill' of sorts. it might not be one we admire but it is a sort of skill - capitalism is 'amoral' in that it does not necessarily reward those who try hardest or whose skills we would morally applaud. in that way it mirrors evolution - survival and advancement of the most suitable rather than the most 'worthy'.

capitalism relies on credit to exist - otherwise you just have an exchange economy. the credit card is a logical progression of capitalism.

lottery winners and those with inherited weath haven't done much to acquire spending power either. do you pity them too?

wageslave

The average female shopaholic spends £300 a year on kit? What is she buying, barbie outfits?

I spend around that a month and I have friends that make me look frugal:cool:

Strings

ninky wrote: »

but you could see the ability to acquire credit (and even more so to write it off) as a 'skill' of sorts. it might not be one we admire but it is a sort of skill - capitalism is 'amoral' in that it does not necessarily reward those who try hardest or whose skills we would morally applaud. in that way it mirrors evolution - survival and advancement of the most suitable rather than the most 'worthy'.

capitalism relies on credit to exist - otherwise you just have an exchange economy. the credit card is a logical progression of capitalism.

lottery winners and those with inherited weath haven't done much to acquire spending power either. do you pity them too?

I think you are taking things completely out of context.
Why would you pity someone who won the lottery.

While capitalism does rely on credit, there is a point when it comes addictive and non benefical to those who use it. Ie those with multiple CC's

ninky_2

Strings wrote: »

I think you are taking things completely out of context.
Why would you pity someone who won the lottery.

bendix suggested that if you get something without having to 'work' for it then you don't enjoy the spoils in the same way and therefore shoud be pitied. my point was that the spoils are often enjoyment enough. the calvinist work ethic is somewhat flawed.

BritRael

drc wrote: »

...While women spend the most on high street clothes, men have more expensive tastes, spending £570 a year on designer clothing, nearly double the £300 dished out by female shopaholics....

lol - 570 a year??? I'm in my 50's and I haven't spent that much in my whole life!! :rotfl::rotfl:

Strings

ninky wrote: »

bendix suggested that if you get something without having to 'work' for it then you don't enjoy the spoils in the same way and therefore shoud be pitied. my point was that the spoils are often enjoyment enough. the calvinist work ethic is somewhat flawed.

yes and the inference was to credit cards

Strings

BritRael wrote: »

lol - 570 a year??? I'm in my 50's and I haven't spent that much in my whole life!! :rotfl::rotfl:

really, are you really that serious?
Assuming you left home at 20, you've only spent on average less than £20 per year on clothing.

I would hate to see the state of your underwear and work attire

ninky_2

Strings wrote: »

yes and the inference was to credit cards

why the difference for other forms of 'easy money' though?

wageslave

Strings wrote: »

yes and the inference was to credit cards

I don't use either of my credit cards and haven't for years. I take one on holiday with me in case we get stranded or something and that is the only time it gets aired.

The idea that all women are rushing around John Lewis' brandishing their credit cards is a tad out of date.

Strings

ninky wrote: »

why the difference for other forms of 'easy money' though?

There is a massive difference between using credit to buy consumerables and buying property with credit.