The Social Context Shortlist

To begin studying social elements relevant to the present, it was essential to first create a master list of goals and issues to be evaluated. This list is not exhaustive, although we believe that it does contain the majority of dominating (and possibly some hidden) social trends that might ultimately indicate future movements and social evolution in relation to fashion and the overall aesthetic landscape of our world.

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT OF FASHION - WHAT TO LOOK FOR/DEFINE

· Dominating & silent factors

· Consumer attitudes towards dominating social issues

· What shapes consumer moods? What factors affect or change these moods?

· How do these issues frame consumer perceptions and lifestyle?

SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE PRESENT (2006-2009)

· Religion - rise and decline

· Immigration - coming in or going out?

· Green movement

· Healthcare - power to insurance companies or the government?

· Gay rights - fighting for marriage equality

· Frugality/return to the home & earth/organics and buying locally

· Marriage age

· Reproduction rate

· Women in the workplace

· Abortion

· Stem cell research

· Education - what, who, etc.

· Globalization

· Fame culture

· Social networking - ability/desire to relate person to person is changing

· Drug legalization?

· Information age - accessibility, instantly, anywhere

· Voting rights/fair elections - violent repression in Iran

· Women’s rights abroad - mainly the middle east; great US involvement in the region

· Sex slave trade

These issues are a jumping-off point. Later, more specific research concerning some or all of the above will be posted. Stay tuned!