{{short description|Being frugal in the consumption of consumable resources}}{{For|the dietary disposition|Frugivore}}File:Gillray Temperance 051126.jpg|thumb|James Gillray's satirical print Temperance Enjoying a Frugal Meal. George III George IIIFrugality is the quality of being frugal, sparing, thrifty, prudent, or economical in the consumption of resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance.{{multiref2

WORK=CENTURY DICTIONARY ONLINE, 15 April 2011,

TITLE=CHAMBERS TWENTIETH CENTURY DICTIONARY

PUBLISHER=CHAMBERS,

PUBLISHER=APPLE COMPUTER,

TITLE=WEBSTER'S NEW COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY

PUBLISHER=MERRIAM

ISBN=0-87779-398-0

URL=HTTPS://ARCHIVE.ORG/DETAILS/WEBSTERSNEWCOL1980SPRI, }}In behavioral science, frugality has been defined as the tendency to acquire goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourceful use of already-owned economic goods and services, to achieve a longer term goal.JOURNAL, Lastovicka, J.L., Bettencourt, L.A., Hughner, R.S., Kuntze, R.J., Lifestyle of the tight and frugal: Theory and measurement, Journal of Consumer Research, 1999, 26, 85â€“98, 10.1086/209552,

Strategies

Common techniques of frugality include reduction of waste, curbing costly habits, suppressing instant gratification by means of fiscal self-restraint, seeking efficiency, avoiding traps, defying expensive social norms, detecting and avoiding manipulative advertising, embracing cost-free options, using barter, and staying well-informed about local circumstances and both market and product/service realities.Frugality may contribute to health by leading people to avoid products that are both expensive and unhealthy when used to excess.JOURNAL, Rose, P., Toney Smith, S., Segrist, D.J., Too cheap to chug: Frugality as a buffer against college-student drinking, Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 2010, 9, 3, 228â€“238, 10.1002/cb.314, Frugal living is practiced by those who aim to cut expenses, have more money, and get the most they possibly can from their money.BOOK, Gorman, C, The Frugal Mind: 1,479 Money Saving Tips for Surviving the 1990s, Nottingham Books, 1990,

U.S. History

American Colonial Period (17th and 18th centuries): Frugality was intertwined with moral and religious values among the population of Puritan and Quaker settlers in American society.BOOK, Weber, Max, 2001-05-17, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Routledge, 978-0-203-99580-8, London, 10.4324/9780203995808, JOURNAL, Witkowski, Terrence H., 1989, Colonial Consumers in Revolt: Buyer Values and Behavior during the Nonimportation Movement, 1764-1776, Journal of Consumer Research, 16, 2, 216â€“226, 10.1086/209210, 2489320, 0093-5301, They emphasized the virtues of productive work for the benefit of society and frowned upon unnecessary consumption. Laws were enacted in colonies like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania to regulate extravagant spending,JOURNAL, Witkowski, Terrence H., 1989, Colonial Consumers in Revolt: Buyer Values and Behavior during the Nonimportation Movement, 1764-1776, Journal of Consumer Research, 16, 2, 216â€“226, 10.1086/209210, 2489320, 0093-5301, reflecting the religious belief that individuals should not indulge in luxurious living.JOURNAL, Witkowski, Terrence H., September 2010, A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States, Consumption Markets & Culture, en, 13, 3, 235â€“258, 10.1080/10253861003786975, 1025-3866, The Great Awakening religious revival of the 1730s emphasized the virtues of simple living, and further reinforced the importance of frugality.JOURNAL, Witkowski, Terrence H., 1989, Colonial Consumers in Revolt: Buyer Values and Behavior during the Nonimportation Movement, 1764-1776, Journal of Consumer Research, 16, 2, 216â€“226, 10.1086/209210, 2489320, 0093-5301, A shift towards consumerism began to emerge as the century progressed. Colonists began acquiring imported luxury goods and amassing debts with the British. This can be considered the start of consumerist desire in America, and lead to the gradual departure from frugality.Antebellum Period (early 19th century): The United States experienced significant economic growth and social change during the Antebellum Period,JOURNAL, Shalhope, Robert E., 1976, Thomas Jefferson's Republicanism and Antebellum Southern Thought, The Journal of Southern History, 42, 4, 529â€“556, 10.2307/2208005, 2208005, 0022-4642, which influenced frugality discourses in various ways. Middle-class women played an increasingly active role in making household purchases.JOURNAL, Wilson, Joan Hoff, Defeis, Elizabeth F, 1978, Role of American Women: An Historical Overview, India International Centre Quarterly, 5, 3, 163â€“173, 23001287, 0376-9771, Figures like Lyman Beecher preached the conservative and moralistic messages of Christian simplicity which mirrored Puritan ideals of frugality.JOURNAL, Spanjer, Daniel, 2016-01-01, The intellectual life of Lyman Beecher : an intersection of Calvinism and the Enlightenment,weblink Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024), Concerns about materialism undermining social order were widespread including ministers' sermon's warnings against luxury and excess. Retailers like Alexander Turney Stewart experimented with the concept of department storesJOURNAL, Resseguie, Harry E., 1965, Alexander Turney Stewart and the Development of the Department Store, 1823-1876, The Business History Review, 39, 3, 301â€“322, 10.2307/3112143, 3112143, 0007-6805, and larger-scale merchandising formats began to emerge. Consumer culture started growing as distribution methods improved and advertising became more advanced. The Antebellum Period was a transitional phase in American consumer culture, where traditional values of frugality coexisted with consumerism.During the Gilded Age (in the late 19th century), a notable critique emerged of excessive consumption and the glaring wealth disparity prevalent in society.JOURNAL, Pethel, Mary Ellen, 2008-04-01, Calhoun, Ed., The Gilded Age - Perspectives On The Origins Of Modern America, Teaching History: A Journal of Methods, 33, 1, 54â€“55, 10.33043/th.33.1.54-55, 2766-6174, free, In the Gilded Age, characterized by industrialization and urbanization, consumer culture flourished with aggressive advertising and the feminization of shopping spaces. Thorstein Veblen's critique in "Theory of the Leisure Class" highlighted conspicuous consumption as a means of social distinction, while authors like Edith Wharton and Charles Wagner advocated for a simplified life amidst growing materialism. John Wanamaker's embrace of simplicity, despite his wealth, exemplified the paradox of promoting frugality while profiting from consumerism in ornate department stores.In World War I (the early 20th century), the ethos of conservation and thrift gained further traction, especially during World War I (Hauerwas, "War and the American Difference: Theological Reflections on Violence and National Identity").JOURNAL, 2013-02-20, Book Review: A World Without War: Stanley Hauerwas, War and the American Difference: Theological Reflections on Violence and National Identity, The Expository Times, 124, 6, 302, 10.1177/0014524612470788g, 0014-5246, Governments and organizations promoted these values as essential for supporting the war effort and ensuring resources were allocated efficiently. Citizens were encouraged to practice frugality through rationing programs and voluntary austerity measures to conserve supplies for troops abroad.WEB, 2023-09-13, Food Rationing in Wartime America,weblink 2024-05-09, HISTORY, en, In the early 20th century, frugality gained prominence in the U.S, spurred by events like World War I and the Great Depression. Figures like Stuart Chase promoted thrift as a patriotic duty, leading to the National Thrift Movement. The 1930s saw a populist backlash against excess, with media and advertising promoting controlled consumption amid economic hardship. Despite fears of consumerism's collapse, ingrained habits persisted, reflecting the enduring tension between aspiration and austerity in American society.During World War II (September 1, 1939 - September 2, 1945), the United States government launched poster campaigns which promoted frugality to American consumers, which included advocations for thrifty behavior, recycling, adherence to price controls and rationing laws, and more. Posters promoted conservation efforts such as saving gasoline and automobile tires and encouraged Americans to recycle materials such as tin cans and waste fats for ammunition and explosives.JOURNAL, Witkowski, Terrence H., 2003â€“2004, World War II Poster Campaigns--Preaching Frugality to American Consumers, Journal of advertising, 32, 1, 69â€“82, JSTOR,weblink Commercial advertising at this time also incorporated frugality appeals. Companies such as Texaco, the American Gas Association, and the Bell Telephone System encouraged responsible consumption and energy-saving behavior. Newspapers, magazines, and private companies were also promoting frugal consumption, encouraging Americans to practice behaviors to conserve food such as meal planning and home canning.BOOK, Barbara McLean Ward, Tracey E. Adkins, Gregory C. Colati, Karin E. Cullity, Produce and conserve, share and play square : the grocer and the consumer on the home-front battlefield during World War II, 1994, University Press of New England, 9780874516555, Lebanon, New Hampshire, 184â€“185, English, As a result of the promotion of conservation efforts, Americans responded by recycling 538 million pounds of waste fats, 23 million tons of paper, 800 million pounds of tin, and planting 50 million victory gardens.BOOK, Fox, Frank W., Madison Avenue goes to war : the strange military career of American advertising, 1941-45, 1975, Brigham Young University Press, Provo, Utah, 54, English, Due to increased military spending, consumers faced shortages and restrictions on goods as a result of resource redirection for raw materials and production. Frugality became a major topic in public discourse during this period of time. Most Americans accepted the limitations placed on private consumption during World War II. Following the war, there was a rapid transition from frugal consumption to consumerism as a result of economic barriers disappearing, leading to economic expansion.Late 20th century (1970s): The rapid change of technology during this time changed the way consumerism was perceived.JOURNAL, THOMAS, TANYA, 2022-08-30, OCNKI, Tianjin Science and Technology, Open Science Framework, INCONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION OF LUXURY PRODUCTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW,weblink 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z28YD, With the emergence of new products the realm of luxury items changed from handbags and luxury cars to electronics, computers, the internet and social media. Consumers began to reimagine society through an environmental lens when the National Science and Technology Policy Organization and Priorities Act of 1976 was passed, it pushed for the frugal use of resources for the future development of technologies.JOURNAL, Jain, Shekhar, Bhaduri, Saradindu, 2021-10-11, The Many Facets of Frugality: Insights from a Quasi-comprehensive Literature Survey,weblink Journal of Scientometric Research, 10, 2, 265â€“278, 10.5530/jscires.10.2.41, Consumers changed the way they searched for products by implementing the concept of thrifting, through this expression environmental movements were able to gain momentum. The economic shift from mainstream items to thrifting gave consumers a place to separate from the pressure of social stratification. The thrift industry during the late 20th century emphasized the need of systemic savings and mutual savings across social classes. In 1987 the concept of thrifting began to slowly decline as the consumer market began too slowly evolve with the creation of new technologies. Frugality within the American society declined as a result, with the concepts of energy frugal and material frugalness being the only to be adapted into our society. The reshaping of consumerism was driven by the advancement of technology.JOURNAL, Mayer, Robert N., 1981, Consumerism in the 70's: The Emergence of New Issues,weblink The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 15, 2, 375â€“391, 0022-0078,

Philosophy

In the context of some belief systems, frugality is a philosophy in which one does not trust (or is deeply wary of) "expert" knowledge from commercial markets or corporate cultures, claiming to know what is in the best economic, material, or spiritual interests of the individual.{{citation|last=Child|first=Hamilton|title=How to Succeed in Business|work=Gazetteer and Business Directory of Ontario County, N.Y., for 1867-8|page=91|year=1867}}Different spiritual communities consider frugality to be a virtue or a spiritual discipline.BOOK, Austin, Richard Cartwright, Environmental Theology, 169, Creekside Press, 1990, The Religious Society of Friends and the Puritans are examples of such groups.BOOK, Mecklin, John M., An Introduction to Social Ethics, The Social Conscience in a Democracy, 254, Harcourt, Brace and Howe, 1920, The philosophy behind this is that people ought to save money in order to allocate it to more charitable purposes, such as helping others in need.BOOK, Watkinson, William L., Frugality in the Spiritual Life, 7, F.H. Revell company, 1908, Benjamin Franklin paired frugality with industry as the key virtues for financial security: "[W]aste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them everything."BOOK, Benjamin, Franklin, Autobiography, 1791, Cicero agreed, arguing that "men donâ€™t understand how great a revenue sparingness is."{{citation|last=Cicero|first=M.T.|author-link=Cicero| title-link=Paradoxa Stoicorum|title=Paradoxa Stoicorum}}There are also environmentalists who consider frugality to be a virtueBOOK, George Fillmore Swain, Swain, George Fillmore, Conservation of Water by Storage, Yale University Press, 1915, 26, through which humans can make use of their ancestral skills as hunter-gatherers, carrying little and needing little, and finding meaning in nature instead of man-made conventions or religion. Henry David Thoreau expressed a similar philosophy in Walden, with his zest for self-reliance and minimal possessions while living simply in the woods.BOOK, Thoreau, Henry David, Walden, Vintage Digital/Penguin Books, 2017, 9781473547933, Ebook, 1854, Degrowth movement advocates use the term "frugal abundance" to denote the enjoyment of a simple, yet culturally, emotionally and spiritually rich, life through which oneâ€™s necessities are achieved through collective sufficiency respecting the Earthâ€™s limits.WEB, Nelson, Anitra, 2024-01-31, Degrowth as a Concept and Practice: Introduction,weblink 2024-02-20, The Commons Social Change Library, en-AU,

Corporate world

Frugality has been adopted as a strategic imperative by large enterprises as a means of cost reduction through engendering a philosophy of careful spending amongst the workforce.{{citation|last=Woerner|first=Stephanie L.|title=Networked at Cisco|series=Center for eBusiness Teaching Case 1|publisher=MIT Sloan School of Management|year=2001}} Cost reduction is often perceived negatively, be it within a corporate organisation or in society, so inviting each employee to embrace frugality transfers the burden of cost reduction from management to the employee. In doing so, corporations introduce a moral obligation to cost cutting, proposing that careful management of costs is in the company, shareholder, and employee's best interests.BOOK, Thoreau, Henry David, Walden, 184, T.Y. Crowell & co., 1910,

References

- content above as imported from Wikipedia
- "Frugality" does not exist on GetWiki (yet)
- time: 7:24am EDT - Sat, May 18 2024

[ this remote article is provided by Wikipedia ]

CONNECT

GetWiki

Frugality

Strategies

U.S. History

Philosophy

Corporate world

See also

References