Motivations for a minimalist lifestyle and its impact on consumption

• Autor(a) principal: Oliveira, Juliana de Farias Fernandes
• Data de Publicação: 2020
• Outros Autores: Paula, Renata Céli Moreira da Silva
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Consumer Behavior Review
• Texto Completo: https://periodicos.ufpe.br/revistas/index.php/cbr/article/view/246160
• topic: minimalism; anti-consumption; voluntary simplicity.; minimalismo; anticonsumo; simplicidade voluntária.

Many studies show the consequences of consumption and its environmental and social impacts. In this context, there are people changing their lifestyle due to a better world or a life with more happiness and quality. One of these movements is minimalism. This study investigated what motivates consumers to adopt Minimalist lifestyle and its impact on consumption. In-depth interviews with ten minimalists were conducted. The results suggest that the motivation for a minimalist lifestyle is personal. The major reasons are the quest for freedom and happiness, the wish of making better use of time and money. Joining the minimalist lifestyle brings big changes in the consumption, affecting the way of dressing, moving, residing and so the way of relating either intrapersonal or interpersonal relationships. There were many noticeable benefits by having a minimalist lifestyle. However, there were also a few negative points, such as a lack of understanding by friends and family, who are more consumer oriented. Despite the difficulties, the minimalists feel that it is worth to adopt this lifestyle: they feel happier and believe they are living a meaningful life.