American Corporate Capitalism's Effect on Adolescent Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify how the cultural norms of American Corporate Capitalism affect the psychological behaviors of American adolescents between the ages of thirteen and seventeen.  Prior research shows a considerable correlation between consumerist habits and youth; however, studies failed to recognize the strategies corporations utilize to influence such behaviors in children. Data was collected through a content and meta-analysis in which multiple sources were applied to the focus of the current research based on the importance of the topics presented. Due to the nature of my research, I focused on the results of studies revolving around mental health, self efficacy, materialism, consumerism, and American Corporate Capitalism. Initial results showed a considerable link between the level of consumerism to a child’s wellbeing as well as how businesses utilize psychological tactics to adhere to those specific groups. The persuasion tactics utilized have been instilled in societal culture so thoroughly to where it nearly reflects a person’s self worth. Therefore, the conclusion can be made that the culture instituted through the system of American Corporate Capitalism has created negative behaviors within the youth of America. However, this is limited to describing how it correlates with psychological behaviors and does not focus on how adolescents choose to address it, whether through avoidance or acceptance.  Future research should focus on how children interact with the persuasion tactics of big corporations; what their neurological responses are that could be curtailed to avoid such negative implications.