Research Article Open Access

The Emerging Consumer Culture in Bangladesh: Everyday Life and Festivals in Rural Areas

Md. Motaher Hossain

Abstract

Problem statement: Bangladesh, often better known to the outside world as a country of natural calamities, is a poor and low-income country. Bangladesh’s main challenge is to reduce poverty through increasing equitable income. Although Bangladesh has faced many problems since its independence in 1971, its gross domestic product has been growing steadily and the country has achieved much success in social indicators. This article explores the culture of consumption in rural Bangladesh and answers the following question: How is Bangladeshi culture associated with consumption. Approach: This study employed a triangulation of methods: namely semi-structured indepth qualitative interviews, ethnography and unstructured conversations substantiated by secondary sources and photographs. Results: This study highlighted consumption and other related issues of marriage and dowry, household decision making, division of labor, as well as different festivals such as Eid (for Muslims), the Bengali New Year and Durga puja (for Hindus). Early marriage and dowry are still practiced in rural areas. Women in rural Bangladesh perform most of the household work but men, as in any other patriarchal society, make the major decisions. Conclusion: The government and NGOs should engage in various activities to boost awareness among the rural people.

Journal of Social Sciences
Volume 6 No. 3, 2010, 488-497

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2010.488.497

Submitted On: 17 September 2010 Published On: 30 September 2010

How to Cite: Hossain, M. M. (2010). The Emerging Consumer Culture in Bangladesh: Everyday Life and Festivals in Rural Areas. Journal of Social Sciences, 6(3), 488-497. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2010.488.497

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Keywords

  • Cultural consumption
  • festivals
  • marriage and dowry
  • decision-making
  • division of labor