Frugality

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the dietary disposition, see Frugivore.
James Gillray's satirical print Temperance Enjoying a Frugal Meal. George III is depicted with patched breeches and a chair covered with protective fabric, eating a simple boiled egg and using the tablecloth as his napkin. Winter flowers fill the unlit fireplace.[1]

Frugality 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.[2]

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.[3]

Strategies[edit]

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.[4] Frugal living is practiced by those who aim to cut expenses, have more money, and get the most they possibly can from their money.[5]

U.S. History[edit]

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.[6][7] They emphasized the virtues of productive work for the benefit of society and frowned upon unnecessary consumption.[8] Laws were enacted in colonies like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania to regulate extravagant spending,[9] reflecting the religious belief that individuals should not indulge in luxurious living.[10] The Great Awakening religious revival of the 1730s emphasized the virtues of simple living, and further reinforced the importance of frugality.[11] A shift towards consumerism began to emerge as the century progressed.[12] Colonists began acquiring imported luxury goods and amassing debts with the British.[12] 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,[13] which influenced frugality discourses in various ways.[14] Middle-class women played an increasingly active role in making household purchases.[15][16] Figures like Lyman Beecher preached the conservative and moralistic messages of Christian simplicity which mirrored Puritan ideals of frugality.[17][16] Concerns about materialism undermining social order were widespread including ministers' sermon's warnings against luxury and excess.[18][19] Retailers like Alexander Turney Stewart experimented with the concept of department stores[20] and larger-scale merchandising formats began to emerge.[19] Consumer culture started growing as distribution methods improved and advertising became more advanced.[21] 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.[22]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.[23]

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").[24]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.[25]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.[26]

During the Great Depression (early 20th century), the modality of consumerism in the United States was affected due to the high rate of unemployment. The frame of mind surrounding spending during this time was limited to the basic necessities and less of the luxuries. Frugality became heavily incorporated into the way of life in various aspects, those unable to make ends meet would incorporate modalities to stretch their dollar. The uncertainty of a reliable income during this time led to the incorporation of being frugal with their finances, frugal housewives implemented the method of smart shopping, instinctively causing the consumer to be drawn to bargains. [27] Advertisement during this time was aimed towards the frugal housewives in hopes of having them spend under the "Buy Now." campaign.[27] As the price for basic household items raised the frugal housewife wondered if it was justifiable or simply profiteering, when the prices would increase they would wonder if they were getting a fair deal.[27] They advocated for fair prices by writing letters to politicians urging them to take action, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia led a campaign against the racketeering of the city's markets in hopes of reducing the prices of everyday household items.[27]

Philosophy[edit]

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.[28]

Different spiritual communities consider frugality to be a virtue or a spiritual discipline.[29] The Religious Society of Friends and the Puritans are examples of such groups.[30] 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.[31]

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."[32] Cicero agreed, arguing that "men don’t understand how great a revenue sparingness is."[33]

There are also environmentalists who consider frugality to be a virtue[34] 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.[35] Degrowth movement advocates use the term "frugal abundance" to denote the enjoyment of a simple, yet culturally, emotionally and spiritually rich, life through which one’s necessities are achieved through collective sufficiency respecting the Earth’s limits.[36]

Corporate world[edit]

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.[37] 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.[38]

See also[edit]

Wikiquote has quotations related to Frugality.
Look up frugal or frugality in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Temperance enjoying a frugal meal". British Museum.
  2. ^
    • "frugal". Century Dictionary Online. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
    • Macdonald, A.M., ed. (1972). Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary. Chambers.
    • Oxford American Dictionaries (computer application). Apple Computer. 2005.
    • Woolf, Henry, ed. (1980). Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield MA: Merriam. ISBN 0-87779-398-0.
  3. ^ Lastovicka, J.L.; Bettencourt, L.A.; Hughner, R.S.; Kuntze, R.J. (1999). "Lifestyle of the tight and frugal: Theory and measurement". Journal of Consumer Research. 26: 85–98. doi:10.1086/209552.
  4. ^ Rose, P.; Toney Smith, S.; Segrist, D.J. (2010). "Too cheap to chug: Frugality as a buffer against college-student drinking". Journal of Consumer Behaviour. 9 (3): 228–238. doi:10.1002/cb.314.
  5. ^ Gorman, C (1990). The Frugal Mind: 1,479 Money Saving Tips for Surviving the 1990s. Nottingham Books.
  6. ^ Weber, Max (2001-05-17). The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203995808. ISBN 978-0-203-99580-8.
  7. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (1989). "Colonial Consumers in Revolt: Buyer Values and Behavior during the Nonimportation Movement, 1764-1776". Journal of Consumer Research. 16 (2): 216–226. doi:10.1086/209210. ISSN 0093-5301. JSTOR 2489320.
  8. ^ Weber, Max (2001-05-17). The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203995808. ISBN 978-0-203-99580-8.
  9. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (1989). "Colonial Consumers in Revolt: Buyer Values and Behavior during the Nonimportation Movement, 1764-1776". Journal of Consumer Research. 16 (2): 216–226. doi:10.1086/209210. ISSN 0093-5301. JSTOR 2489320.
  10. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (September 2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  11. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (1989). "Colonial Consumers in Revolt: Buyer Values and Behavior during the Nonimportation Movement, 1764-1776". Journal of Consumer Research. 16 (2): 216–226. doi:10.1086/209210. ISSN 0093-5301. JSTOR 2489320.
  12. ^ a b Witkowski, Terrence H. (September 2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  13. ^ Shalhope, Robert E. (1976). "Thomas Jefferson's Republicanism and Antebellum Southern Thought". The Journal of Southern History. 42 (4): 529–556. doi:10.2307/2208005. ISSN 0022-4642. JSTOR 2208005.
  14. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (September 2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  15. ^ Wilson, Joan Hoff; Defeis, Elizabeth F (1978). "Role of American Women: An Historical Overview". India International Centre Quarterly. 5 (3): 163–173. ISSN 0376-9771. JSTOR 23001287.
  16. ^ a b Witkowski, Terrence H. (September 2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  17. ^ Spanjer, Daniel (2016-01-01). "The intellectual life of Lyman Beecher : an intersection of Calvinism and the Enlightenment". Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024).
  18. ^ Spanjer, Daniel (2016-01-01). "The intellectual life of Lyman Beecher : an intersection of Calvinism and the Enlightenment". Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024).
  19. ^ a b Witkowski, Terrence H. (September 2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  20. ^ Resseguie, Harry E. (1965). "Alexander Turney Stewart and the Development of the Department Store, 1823-1876". The Business History Review. 39 (3): 301–322. doi:10.2307/3112143. ISSN 0007-6805. JSTOR 3112143.
  21. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (September 2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  22. ^ 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): 54–55. doi:10.33043/th.33.1.54-55. ISSN 2766-6174.
  23. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 235–258. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  24. ^ "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. 2013-02-20. doi:10.1177/0014524612470788g. ISSN 0014-5246.
  25. ^ "Food Rationing in Wartime America". HISTORY. 2023-09-13. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
  26. ^ Witkowski, Terrence H. (2010). "A brief history of frugality discourses in the United States". Consumption Markets & Culture. 13 (3): 244–245. doi:10.1080/10253861003786975. ISSN 1025-3866.
  27. ^ a b c d Jacobs, Meg (2005). Pocketbook Politics: Economic Citizenship in Twentieth-Century America. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-13041-5.
  28. ^ Child, Hamilton (1867), "How to Succeed in Business", Gazetteer and Business Directory of Ontario County, N.Y., for 1867-8, p. 91
  29. ^ Austin, Richard Cartwright (1990). Environmental Theology. Creekside Press. p. 169.
  30. ^ Mecklin, John M. (1920). An Introduction to Social Ethics, The Social Conscience in a Democracy. Harcourt, Brace and Howe. p. 254.
  31. ^ Watkinson, William L. (1908). Frugality in the Spiritual Life. F.H. Revell company. p. 7.
  32. ^ Franklin, Benjamin (1791). Autobiography.
  33. ^ Cicero, M.T., Paradoxa Stoicorum
  34. ^ Swain, George Fillmore (1915). Conservation of Water by Storage. Yale University Press. p. 26.
  35. ^ Thoreau, Henry David (2017). Walden. Ebook: Vintage Digital/Penguin Books (published 1854). ISBN 9781473547933.
  36. ^ Nelson, Anitra (2024-01-31). "Degrowth as a Concept and Practice: Introduction". The Commons Social Change Library. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  37. ^ Woerner, Stephanie L. (2001), Networked at Cisco, Center for eBusiness Teaching Case 1, MIT Sloan School of Management
  38. ^ Thoreau, Henry David (1910). Walden. T.Y. Crowell & co. p. 184.
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