Abstract:
This study is a qualitative research for an analysis of mainstream economics compared with Buddhist economics under the framework of production /consumption /distribution of production by linking to the consumer culture in social consumerism at present. The research found the perspective/understanding of humans based on
this influence dominates the thinking method of mainstream economics. It is an important cause that leads to abandonment of quality and social factors and values that are intangible in mind, and it separates humans from their minds. Different modes of thought lead to different economic behaviors, and under mainstream economics thought is based on self-interest. Relations among humans/nature are in the form of fighting to dominate/possess based on the idea that the more possession/ consumption, the more happiness. The phenomenon consumerism emphasizes that humans set their goals on happiness and a life to hight consumption, something that can be measured in the form of wealth. This worldview cannot avoid from the influence that results in pushing/ pressuring the society greatly to consumerism.This research has led to the conclusion that putting emphasis solely on economic factors has generated significant weak points in mainstream economics. That is, the use of analytical concept and introduction of economic measures without considering the political / social factor. On the other hand Buddhist economics, for instance, the simple life/beauty and development can reach the more delicate stage, the Nirvana.
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