Assuming that behavior isa function of the environment, and that behavior includes how we feel, think and act, and that by the environment we mean circumstances, situations, conditions and suroundings (past and present), then we will observe that the overriding environment – the one most of us have in common – is the world mass market economic system.
Massive populations can be sustained and maintained only by mass production and mass consumption. Massive consumption and production, necessary to sustain massive populations are promoted by mass media and other social institutions (home, school, church, government and our jobs).
The media and other agents of the worldwide mass market economy engender chronic dissatisfaction in order to motivate us to work and buy. We are motivated to produce and to consume because of the chronic frustration of basic psychological needs. Only the dissatisfied are good customers and good workers.
The benefits provided by the mass market economic system come at the expense of casualties in terms of crime, illness, accident and psychological misery. The walking wounded, the psychologically crippled – they pay the price that sustains the system. Economics is war by other means; the economic of mass production and mass consumption victimizes the few to benefit the many. We are all expendable, replaceable and would-be sacrificial victims.
Chronic frustration of the many lead to acute psychological distress in the few. If the few become the many, then there is mutiny in the ranks. Extreme thoughts, exaggerated feelings, impulsive behaviors become the rule rather than the exception. The symptoms of psychological distress take over. Sickness, crime and fanatics take over. We are all in trouble. The basic psychological needs, manipulated by the mass market economy, that motivate us to work and buy are: (1) the basic need to do what is considered to be “right,” to conform, to do what is appropriate and proper; (2) the basic need to be good at doing something, to be acknowledged for our achievements, competence, abilities; (3) the basic need to have a choice, some control over our lives, to be in the driver’s seat; (4) the baic need for adventure, thrills, excitement, to take a chance; and (5) the basic need to be liked by those with whom we wish to affiliate.
Moderate frustrtion of the basic psychological needs motivates us to work and buy. But too much dissatisfaction is disruptive. Where do we stand today and in which direction are we going?