Obsolescence

Experienced educator, writer, and counselor Robert Fettgather Ph.D. teaches general psychology and developmental psychology at Mission College in Santa Clara, California, where he serves as associate faculty. A member of the nonprofit Psychologists for Social Responsibility, Dr. Robert Fettgather is interested in protecting natural environments.

Planned and perceived obsolescence are two concepts that play a significant role in consumerism and product lifecycle. Planned obsolescence refers to the deliberate design and manufacturing of products with a limited lifespan. This strategy aims to encourage consumers to replace their existing products more frequently, thereby driving sales. Manufacturers achieve planned obsolescence through various means, such as using cheap materials, designing products with non-replaceable parts, or implementing software updates that render older devices incompatible (all the while frustrating consumers). While this approach may benefit businesses financially, it raises ethical concerns regarding sustainability and consumer trust.

On the other hand, perceived obsolescence is the psychological aspect of consumer behavior, where individuals perceive their possessions as outdated or no longer desirable due to changing trends or the introduction of newer models. Perceived obsolescence is often influenced by marketing strategies that create a sense of inadequacy or social pressure to keep up with the latest trends. As a result, consumers may feel compelled to discard functional products prematurely, contributing to the cycle of consumption and waste.

Together, planned and perceived obsolescence form a powerful relationship in consumer culture. While planned obsolescence is a deliberate strategy employed by manufacturers, perceived obsolescence drives consumer demand and supports the continual cycle of product turnover. However, this cycle comes at the expense of environmental sustainability and the depletion of resources. To address these issues, businesses can adopt more sustainable practices, such as designing products with longer lifespans, promoting repairability, and educating consumers about the importance of mindful consumption. Likewise, consumers can resist the pressures of perceived obsolescence by making informed purchasing decisions, considering product durability and repairability, and embracing the concept of “reduce, reuse and repurpose”. By challenging these notions and promoting sustainable alternatives, we can move towards a more responsible and environmentally conscious approach to consumption.

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