The hidden power of lack in the determinants of consumption

Abstract

The present work analyzes the historical role that has been given to “scarcity” as determinant of consumption, in the framework of the state of art about consumption and its relationship to the generation of income and well-being. For this, a bibliographical review is done from the economy, sociology and philosophy of the concepts of “scarcity”, ”need” and “wish”, in order to analyze their articulations to consumption practices. This review shows the three concepts have been theoretically addressed without distinction, although more analytical relevance is given to the “need” and “wish” on the “scarcity”, in spite of the fact that this analysis made by the authors presents a deep discussion about the factors that cause dissatisfaction, hiding the role of “scarcity” as determinant in the phenomenon of the consumption.