Principles of marketing and societal effects of marking practices

¶ … Marketing

Where (i.e. To what aspects of life in general) does marketing NOT apply? Where does it apply?

One of the primary areas in life where marketing is irrelevant is when someone is driving their car down the street (with the radio and other electronic devices off). This is because the process will involve them following predetermined procedures that will require everyone to think differently. When this is happening, the individual must pay attention to the road, follow the various laws / regulations and look out for other drivers. It is at this point that the person will have total concentration on their tasks and they are not interested in learning about new products or services (i.e. marketing).

The way that marketing will apply to everyone's lives, is based upon the way that they are interacting with the world around them. This means that there is a focus on learning about new products and ideas. During the course of going through their different activities is the point that everybody will be exposed to marketing related concepts.

For example, when someone is going to work they will often see different marketing related materials. This will occur when they are looking out along the side of the road, riding on public transportation and listening to the radio. The only time these factors will not influence them is if they are not paying attention to these variables. Once they reach their destination is when they are exposed to even more marketing concepts. This can occur through going to different locations for lunch, communicating with coworkers about new products they own (such as the I Phone [HIDDEN] and seeing the name of third party providers / employers on various firm related materials (i.e. stationary). The combination of these factors is showing how marketing will subconsciously influence the actions of someone. However, one of only times that this will not have an impact on them, is when the person must focus specifically on certain tasks and they are eliminating any possible distractions. This is the point that these factors will not be able to influence them.

Is it always benign or are there potentially dangerous, pernicious, evil or otherwise deleterious effects of marketing on people, communities, nations or society?

Marketing can be a potentially dangerous tool that could adversely impact people, communities, nations and society. This is because many of the ideas that are presented will negatively affect stakeholders. When this happens, everyone may be using certain products that could be harmful to them over the long-term. The reason why these initiatives are so successful; is they created a transformation in what practices are considered to be socially acceptable. It is at this point that the behavior of communities will change to reflect these new norms and values.