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How is shopping, in Norton's view, a "subversive" activity for women? Also, what might shopping mean for men? Girls? Boys?

Jonathan Pastrana
9/9/2013 05:03:22 am

Shopping is a subversive activity for women because it gives them temporary power over property. It also gives them pleasure. Anne Norton’s article, The Signs of Shopping, describes housewives taking pleasure from shopping. Women associate pleasurable thoughts with purchases because it allows them to exercise authority over property. In a time where woman had little or no say in regards to their actions; shopping was a relief. Constant teachings of reform and due diligence dictated a woman’s world. Subversive behavior in relation to shopping is selfishness. While women are shopping at retail stores, their families at home are waiting and wondering. Being a consumer gives her identity and choice.
Shopping gives the buyer identity. A purchase of a rainbow t-shirt worn be a person might advocate gay rights or a love of colors. This is the great action of choice. Shopping means the ability to own property that gives value to an individual. A property that man, woman, and child made conscientiously…and unconscientiously. According to researchers, like Paco Underhill, customers generally spend an average of 20 minutes in stores. Some individuals have no clue in what they want. However, keeping up with current affairs a person may purchase a black t-shirt with a, ‘Black Sabbath’, logo on it. That individual, regardless of his feelings towards the band, makes a statement with wearing that article of clothing. In today’s pop culture economy, that purchase of the Black Sabbath t-shirt supports a system of advertisement that feeds on the support, and money, provided by the fans and fashionable a like.

9/9/2013 10:41:35 am

In “The Signs of Shopping”, Anne Norton recognizes that when women shop, they are recognizing a limit to their finances and why that limit exists. In other words, women have to adhere to their husband’s economic means when shopping. However, according to Norton, this activity is mainly subversive because women are doing it alone and because they are spending their husband’s capital on things which express their own identity. Another big reason she lists, is that the women are out of the house, which most people have recognized as a ‘woman’s place’; even though that role is changing today, there is no doubt that it has not simply vanished. Norton explains how shopping eliminates physical barriers when she writes, “It has long been the occasion for women to escape the confines of their homes and enjoy the companionship of other women” about shopping (106). Norton also notes the emotional pleasures and sensations of independence that arise from shopping: “The housewife who shops for pleasure takes time away from her husband, her family, and her house and claims it for herself” (106).
How do girls grow up to shop if their mother is going shopping to ignore her responsibilities with them? Well, she doesn’t ignore them all the time, especially because she must keep up the solidarity between women (and, of course, keep the family bond strong). Norton explains that there is solidarity, as well as a sense of subversion, with younger generations of women, or “girls”, when their mothers take them to go shopping for the first time. Norton says, “As their daughters grew, they would be brought increasingly within this circle, included in shopping trips and lunches with their mothers” (106). Again, shopping creates a bond between women; it also appears to bridge the age gap and put women in control of their identities, even if it is ever so brief and ultimately limited by men.
I think shopping can mean a reversal of gender roles for men. Take, for example, the infamous ‘house-husband’ stereotype that has just recently arisen – the man goes grocery shopping, takes care of the baby, and doesn’t work. Even if the man does work, when he buys his own clothes and, therefore, submits himself to current fashion trends and, perhaps, enjoying creating a sense of style for himself, he makes a statement. He is not afraid to take part in fashion and homemaking, what are typically considered main parts of a ‘woman’s world’. If he takes his son shopping, he takes away some of the stigma for shopping. Of course, as Norton mentions, in order catalogues there are still gender ‘norms’ that inhabit spaces of men’s fashion. Read this poem for example, “Yes, the slow motion of a women’s legs. Whatever happened to those things at carnivals that blew air up into girls’ skirts and you could spend hours watching” (108). Clearly, this is directed towards the male viewer. If boys and men read this, this might not be so subversive after all. Marketing has transformed an activity that is usually considered a woman’s activity and geared it towards men, in order to get them to buy more and still feel masculine.

Genesis
9/9/2013 02:32:19 pm

In Norton’s view, shopping is described as a “subversive” activity for women because women feel at control in this experience, they construct their identities, and flee from daily constricting customs. When the woman of a household and family takes the pleasure to go shopping, she signifies that time and “claims it for herself.” She is in charge of what goes into the household, in charge of the items she buys personally for herself. In certain cases, the husband might not approve or know of what she has bought, and so the woman feels she has control over that property, when in usual restricting customs, she is denied of that right. She has a flavor of freedom when purchasing such product, and enjoys undermining said authority. When not shopping alone, a woman is most likely to spend her time with female companionship, “without the presence of their husbands.” In this time, they gossip, exchange information of different sorts, ask advice and seek support. They are free from restraint and being with other women is a form of liberal expression, that they all share a common restraint they have fled, and feel free in each other’s company, growing as individuals.
It’s been widely heard that men do not enjoy shopping, and often groan at the thought of having to tag along with their companion. It’s most commonly true, men usually go into a store and find what they want and leave, but there are men who also care about their appearance, (just like women, teenage girls and boys) and look for something attractive clothing that will look good on them. This is purely aesthetics, but it is a no brainer. In the act of shopping they also encounter male mannequins with stylish clothing, they also touch and feel the clothing and decide if they want to buy it or not. Men may also experience a search for identity through clothing as well. Women definitely have a closer relationship to shopping than men, not necessarily superficially, but emotionally.
Young girls and boys in their teenage years are heavily into the world of shopping once they are first introduced. Moreover, teenage girls are bombarded with advertisements of supermodels and the definition of beauty to society. It is strongly embedded into young girls’ minds to the point where they are submissive to this idealistic look, where it can be entirely consumed in malls. Norton says that teenage girls “spend a good deal of time” in malls and usually, spend more time than money. The girls come home with not only simple commodities, but with a “well-developed sense of the significance of those commodities.” These girls see identities on racks of clothing and mannequins, and aspire to have an identity as what they have mentally consumed.

Kelly S. Hidalgo
9/9/2013 03:05:33 pm

In “The Signs of Shopping” written by Anne Norton, we read that the identity of a woman is dependent solely on the provisions made by her husband. A woman is not allowed to independently direct the choices of her household although she is the one directly responsible for handling the needs of her family. She can only do this by going to her husband for money to purchase household items, clothing, food, etc., including her own personal needs. All of this must first be allowed by him. This implies that a woman cannot build or construct her identity without his approval.

All of this dependence or lack of independence, leads to a subversive attitude and subversive actions. A woman may go out shopping with the girls to designate time of her own, to be with the girls and connect with her female companions. With fellow woman she can make choices of her own and purchases that her husband may never be aware of. This might bring a great deal of pleasure to a woman seeking her distinct identity.

The experience of shopping can be thrilling for men, boy and girls. Each using the opportunity to seek out items that they most identify with. It may have been in a TV or magazine ad that they imagined themselves in, living the dream or fulfilling a fantasy. For example, a man might shop at Armani because he is a hard working associate looking to make partner. He sees the Armani ads of men with strong, attractive, chiseled features, wearing a suit that commands he be taken seriously. The suit signifies success. He can buy that exact same suit he saw in the magazine and feel that he too will be taken seriously and definitely will not go unnoticed.

Prisma Hernandez
9/10/2013 12:38:47 pm

Anne Norton is a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. Norton believes that shopping has become a subversive activity since back in the old times women would go shopping all day with their husbands and do all day shopping including groceries. However, in today’s society women of all kinds of race, ethnicity, and color shop at any time of the day and with whom ever; many times alone with their children or during their free time. Norton believes it is a bad idea now since women liked shopping with their husbands. As a matter of fact women like to shop without their husbands since now they just follow you around at the shopping mall waiting on for women to finish their shopping. Today you see many males standing outside of stores waiting for their wives to finish up their shopping since they consider that “shopping” is boring. Today women can shop with their friends and have a blast for just a few hours instead of having to shop with their husbands and having to deal with their husbands complains. Norton does have a good point, “They could not represent themselves through commodities without the funds men provided.” Back in the late 1900 women were stuck at home doing housewife chores and waiting upon their husbands to take them out, and relaying on their money to spend for themselves and household materials. Now in today’s society women work and they are able to realize what the most necessary products to purchase rather than spend here and spend there. Women work hard for their money, so they feel freedom when going out with their friends and doing some shopping, without the presence of their husbands.
Young adults are also the ones who invade the shopping malls. Whichever mall you attend, you will always be able to find groups of teenagers walking around and gossiping. The mall is the place of meetings and reunions with friends. However, most teenagers go to a shopping mall to walk around and window shop meaning they will only look around and nearly almost all teenagers will spend much more time walking and looking rather than actually purchasing. “Adolescents, particularly female adolescents are inclined to spend a good deal of time at the mall. They spend, indeed, more time than money.” Intentionally this means that young teenagers will pretend to shop around while they are actually just spending hours of freedom time with their friends. Teens purchase at least one or two items at the shopping mall or sometimes nothing.
For males, young and old males the shopping malls are boring. Most male shop at one store only they go in and right back out since most males already know the exact thing they want to purchase and have the right about of money in their pockets. Most males do not like to look around and wonder around stores or looking at the sale items. They go in and right back out.

bryce
9/10/2013 01:43:25 pm


It is subversive because of women's relationships with men.
Back in the 50's or whatever shopping whether it be in a mall or a grocery store was one of women's few places of belonging aside from their kitchens at home. They were able to do an activity that was considered feminine. The act of shopping before women really worked outside the home was the one time they actually had control of money. The idea of its his money I can do what I want with it.

Maybe Norton deems shopping a subversive activity for women because now women rightly so have more rights and it's not their household or martial duty to do the shopping anymore, but something that arose from such past limitations of women's freedom from domineering men. Women can get together in a man free world.

For men I think shopping seems to be more utilitarian than social. Me and the guys don't get together to go shopping. For me personally it's not a hobby. Shopping for boys and girls could be a way for finding an identity. For teenagers or adolescents it could be a way of asserting their independence from shopping with mom because they get to make their own decisions and spend their own money.

9/10/2013 01:59:04 pm

Shopping is a subversive activity for women because they are suppose to be the housewife and depend on their husbands. Women were not only dependent on their husbands for money but they also depended on them to construct their self identity. When malls and shopping center rose women were seeking out to build friendship and obtain a sense of independence. Shopping became of women lifestyle and women passed it down to their daughters. Therefore, women are now the big shoppers while men provide the money. Most important Norton views shopping as a time for women to be themselves and feel important.
In a man and boys perspective shopping is just spending money on unnecessary items. Men usually are dragged to go shopping to help the women carry the packages or bags. When a man goes shopping they are usually focus on what they are looking for and do not get distracted by other products.
In a girls perspective shopping means looking for products that are of their interest. Usually girls wonder and are distracted by the different mannequins to pick their sense of style and they create scenarios of either the outfit or product.Anne Norton argues, “Stores hang a variety of identities on their racks and mannequins”( 105) girls and women find shopping as a way to discover who they are and find a style that most fits them. In the 21st century shopping is a way in which girls and boys can get together with a group of friends and just hang out.

Vahan Khachatryan
9/10/2013 02:26:41 pm

Women’s role in a family has been always associated with the notion of “housewife” for centuries. According to Norton’s article “Signs of Shopping”, shopping was considered as a legitimate means for women to go out and construct their identity away from their husbands. The fact that woman, as a housewife, has the duty of provision for the needs of the family makes her shopping experience legitimate. It enables women to get rid of the restrictions of their home and spend their time in the companionship of other women. This practice would be transferred to their daughters and eventually become a ritual. The fact that women were financially dependent on their husbands makes them also dependent in terms of constructing their identities through shopping. Even though she may have no financial resources independent of her husband, shopping enables them to exercise some authority over poverty. Depending on whether or not the items she bought would be approved by her husband, the authority over poverty she possesses may be left in her husband’s hands. Another subversive quality of shopping is involved when shopping for bargains or shopping without buying. The sense of mutual support within a group overcomes when being told by saleswomen about upcoming sales; however simply, the marketing instrument.
Shopping may have a different significance for every one depending on their educational level, financial stability and goals. Shopping sometimes means more than an action of buying merchandises. Shopping helps people to get rid of stress. For some, shopping is a ritual activity intended to buy things necessary for regular daily consumption. For others, especially adolescent girls, as Norton noted, it is more a “time-spending” rather than “money-spending” activity. Nowadays malls could be characterized as places where people spend their weekend together with their families. After all, shopping for every one regardless of sex, age and occupation, is considered as some sort of distraction.

Vahan Khachatryan
9/10/2013 02:28:28 pm

Women’s role in a family has been always associated with the notion of “housewife” for centuries. According to Norton’s article “Signs of Shopping”, shopping was considered as a legitimate means for women to go out and construct their identity away from their husbands. The fact that woman, as a housewife, has the duty of provision for the needs of the family makes her shopping experience legitimate. It enables women to get rid of the restrictions of their home and spend their time in the companionship of other women. This practice would be transferred to their daughters and eventually become a ritual. The fact that women were financially dependent on their husbands makes them also dependent in terms of constructing their identities through shopping. Even though she may have no financial resources independent of her husband, shopping enables them to exercise some authority over poverty. Depending on whether or not the items she bought would be approved by her husband, the authority over poverty she possesses may be left in her husband’s hands. Another subversive quality of shopping is involved when shopping for bargains or shopping without buying. The sense of mutual support within a group overcomes when being told by saleswomen about upcoming sales; however simply, the marketing instrument.
Shopping may have a different significance for every one depending on their educational level, financial stability and goals. Shopping sometimes means more than an action of buying merchandises. Shopping helps people to get rid of stress. For some, shopping is a ritual activity intended to buy things necessary for regular daily consumption. For others, especially adolescent girls, as Norton noted, it is more a “time-spending” rather than “money-spending” activity. Nowadays malls could be characterized as places where people spend their weekend together with their families. After all, shopping for every one regardless of sex, age and occupation, is considered as some sort of distraction.

Vahan Khachatryan
9/10/2013 03:00:58 pm

Women’s role in a family has been always associated with the notion of “housewife” for centuries. According to Norton’s article “Signs of Shopping”, shopping was considered as a legitimate means for women to go out and construct their identity away from their husbands. The fact that woman, as a housewife, has the duty of provision for the needs of the family makes her shopping experience legitimate. It enables women to get rid of the restrictions of their home and spend their time in the companionship of other women. This practice would be transferred to their daughters and eventually become a ritual. The fact that women were financially dependent on their husbands makes them also dependent in terms of constructing their identities through shopping. Even though she may have no financial resources independent of her husband, shopping enables them to exercise some authority over poverty. Depending on whether or not the items she bought would be approved by her husband, the authority over poverty she possesses may be left in her husband’s hands. Another subversive quality of shopping is involved when shopping for bargains or shopping without buying. The sense of mutual support within a group overcomes when being told by saleswomen about upcoming sales; however simply, the marketing instrument.
Shopping may have a different significance for every one depending on their educational level, financial stability and goals. Shopping sometimes means more than an action of buying merchandises. Shopping helps people to get rid of stress. For some, shopping is a ritual activity intended to buy things necessary for regular daily consumption. For others, especially adolescent girls, as Norton noted, it is more a “time-spending” rather than “money-spending” activity. Nowadays malls could be characterized as places where people spend their weekend together with their families. After all, shopping for every one regardless of sex, age and occupation, is considered as some sort of distraction.

Vahan Khachatryan
9/10/2013 03:01:26 pm

Women’s role in a family has been always associated with the notion of “housewife” for centuries. According to Norton’s article “Signs of Shopping”, shopping was considered as a legitimate means for women to go out and construct their identity away from their husbands. The fact that woman, as a housewife, has the duty of provision for the needs of the family makes her shopping experience legitimate. It enables women to get rid of the restrictions of their home and spend their time in the companionship of other women. This practice would be transferred to their daughters and eventually become a ritual. The fact that women were financially dependent on their husbands makes them also dependent in terms of constructing their identities through shopping. Even though she may have no financial resources independent of her husband, shopping enables them to exercise some authority over poverty. Depending on whether or not the items she bought would be approved by her husband, the authority over poverty she possesses may be left in her husband’s hands. Another subversive quality of shopping is involved when shopping for bargains or shopping without buying. The sense of mutual support within a group overcomes when being told by saleswomen about upcoming sales; however simply, the marketing instrument.
Shopping may have a different significance for every one depending on their educational level, financial stability and goals. Shopping sometimes means more than an action of buying merchandises. Shopping helps people to get rid of stress. For some, shopping is a ritual activity intended to buy things necessary for regular daily consumption. For others, especially adolescent girls, as Norton noted, it is more a “time-spending” rather than “money-spending” activity. Nowadays malls could be characterized as places where people spend their weekend together with their families. After all, shopping for every one regardless of sex, age and occupation, is considered as some sort of distraction.

Vahan Khachatryan
9/10/2013 03:01:32 pm

Women’s role in a family has been always associated with the notion of “housewife” for centuries. According to Norton’s article “Signs of Shopping”, shopping was considered as a legitimate means for women to go out and construct their identity away from their husbands. The fact that woman, as a housewife, has the duty of provision for the needs of the family makes her shopping experience legitimate. It enables women to get rid of the restrictions of their home and spend their time in the companionship of other women. This practice would be transferred to their daughters and eventually become a ritual. The fact that women were financially dependent on their husbands makes them also dependent in terms of constructing their identities through shopping. Even though she may have no financial resources independent of her husband, shopping enables them to exercise some authority over poverty. Depending on whether or not the items she bought would be approved by her husband, the authority over poverty she possesses may be left in her husband’s hands. Another subversive quality of shopping is involved when shopping for bargains or shopping without buying. The sense of mutual support within a group overcomes when being told by saleswomen about upcoming sales; however simply, the marketing instrument.
Shopping may have a different significance for every one depending on their educational level, financial stability and goals. Shopping sometimes means more than an action of buying merchandises. Shopping helps people to get rid of stress. For some, shopping is a ritual activity intended to buy things necessary for regular daily consumption. For others, especially adolescent girls, as Norton noted, it is more a “time-spending” rather than “money-spending” activity. Nowadays malls could be characterized as places where people spend their weekend together with their families. After all, shopping for every one regardless of sex, age and occupation, is considered as some sort of distraction.

Rhea Lopez
9/10/2013 03:36:57 pm


According to Norton, shopping activity "opens up the possibility of subversion". The main role of a woman is taking care of the family and spending time with her husband, however, shopping activity is gradually destroys this role by driving woman's attention away from her household to the shopping mall where she can have good time hanging out with her female company. Moreover, instead of staying at home doing housework, taking care of her kids and her husband, the wife enjoys her time spending money that is often "not hers" on some clothes and accessories. When a wife is dependent on her husband on every aspect, using her husband money to shop for her pleasure is considered a subversive activity.
In her article, Norton also claims that shopping is another way that women use to construct their identities. The construction of a woman identity has been attached with her dependence on her husband for centuries. Her identity is recognized due to the fund that her husband provides. However, thanks to shopping, women are further constructed as consumers and parts of the marketplace convention.
I agree with Norton when she claimed that the mall is not a public place. Whenever I go to the mall, I feel like I’m stepping in someone’s house, and I need to follow the rule of the house. Each store in the mall is like separate houses; it has its own rule. For example, there is some store that doesn’t allow the customers to bring food or drink inside, or there could be some stores that limit the amount of items in the fitting room. Moreover, as Norton said, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are not existed in the mall. If shopping mall is considered a public place, these practices must be allowed.
I feel like shopping mall is a hotpot where you can find many kinds of people there. When I go to the mall, I see diverse age of people from the teenagers to the elders; I see every race from black to white. Yet, it depends on the location of the mall to find a majority of race or age. For example, when I went to Northridge mall, I mostly saw college students and Latinos, but when I went to Topanga mall or Burbank downtown center, I mostly saw the working age and Latino is not a majority race there.

fatima fuentes
9/10/2013 07:38:27 pm

Fatima Fuentes
Professor Fulton

Shopping as an activity for women is subversive in Norton’s view since she explains that women loses their moral values towards their husbands and kids. In my understanding, shopping is an escape for most women from their role and responsibilities as part of a family. They spend a lot of time shopping with their posse or girl friends and confide or exchange secrets of their lives, possibly invading the privacy of their families.

When a woman shops, it does not only mean spending money and time, but also wasting them. Shopping seems to be an outlet of women’s despairs, frustrations, or even being overjoyed. It diminishes the quality time that would have been spent by a woman to her husband or to her children. It may be a satisfaction to most of the women to go shopping, but it only gives short-term happiness. This is devastating since women misinterpret shopping as freedom, where they can attain sense of satisfaction by “exercising an authority over property that law and custom may deny.” (Norton).

Also, shopping does not only mean buying material things, but it is also a way of constructing the identity of women in general. Meaning, the mainstream trends and fashion are being desired by them to withhold a superficial reputation among the society, I think the market identifies and manipulates how the society, especially women, value or label what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’. If the free market sells a product (that does not seem to be so appealing before, like muscle shirts, thin material t-shirts, and ripped jeans) when being widely advertised and promoted by iconic people, then it would become a trend and be popular.

Shopping is also subversive in a way that, as Norton stated, shopping without buying and shopping for bargains have subversive quality. Meaning, there is covert direction and exploitation of information about bargains and sales within the solidarity of gender. Salespeople do this in order to earn more from customers or if not, they do not relate to the customer.

In this generation, shopping means building your identity. People shop goods and merchandise that could make them the person that people want to see. In other words, shopping is a tool for the society to keep up with the style by purchasing trending products. This applies mostly to the teenagers.

Most of the time, people in general go on shopping and go on an unplanned profusion to feel good and be happy about themselves. Nobody spends money to be sad, plus, money is meant to be spent.

9/11/2013 01:59:26 am

Most of the times women, in practically, need their quality away from problems or situation and they use shopping as a relief. In the article of The Signs of Shopping, “It has long been the occasion for women to escape the confines of their homes and enjoy the companionship of other women.” One thing women love to be around with their same kind because it’s a relief from them to enjoy themselves without talking about any situation they have going on. . Women are always there fo0r other women to catch up, if they haven’t seen each other for years. It also states, “They could exchange information and reflections, ask advice, and receive support.” They use this quality for shopping with their closest friends and talk about what miss out on whose ever birthday, who doesn’t talk anymore or basically gossip. But most importantly, because they need a friend to be there to support one another and if they have any advices or opinions. That not only have time for friends but to have time herself. If she’s a housewife, worker, or a mom, she definitely needs time alone. This is the time when wife, mother or employee needs their own space to relax or just to shop for distraction. Their job is a full-time job and most of the time, they just what their quality time to sit back and not worry if there’s food on the table, laundry has to be made, etc. but just to focus on herself. For her, to shop and buy new clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, etc. and what makes her happy. It'll shows that the cycle will go on when their children grows up and what to have a “girl on girl” time with their mother, whether is shopping, lunches, or just being outside of Starbucks and talking.

The experience of shopping can be thrilling for men, boy and girls. Each using the opportunity to seek out items that they most identify with, for example, cars, motorcycle, jewelry or Barbie dolls. Teenage girls are being manipulate with magazine of super models and what not to wear, and what the society wants them to look. Same goes for boys, they're barley going to which style to wear and hot super models that girls want comes on television and that's when they decide to be "hot" too.

Stefanie Jadidi
9/11/2013 02:56:21 am

Girls spend more time than money at the mall. It is more of a place for social gathering. The mall is seen as a public forum but it actuality it is not. The owners of the malls restrict what you can ultimately do or say in public. People’s identities are being decided for them through the semiotics of retailers and their displays. In “The Signs of Shopping” Professor Annie Norton says “In prowling the mall they embed themselves in a lexicon of American culture…stores hang a variety of identities on their racks and mannequins.” Girls view these identities and it challenges their own view of themselves. A girl might ask herself “Who am I and who can I be? If I buy more items with my friends, I will be seen as someone who can afford it and the more I have, the better I can feel.” Married women use shopping as an excuse to socialize with other women. But their identities are confined to their dependence on their husband’s money. They are tied to how much they can afford and who they shop with. Their identities are being decided for them and they have no control over it without the husband’s approval or by what and how much they can spend. On the other hand, they can temporarily flee their mundane housewife life and find comfort in likeminded women who also feel restrained. Men have always been typically viewed as the gender that does not enjoy shopping. Men are just as susceptible to advertisements. They too want to feel and look good. Their identities are shown through their clothing brands. If a man comes out of the mall with a new designer suit, there is no doubt the next morning he will be wearing that suit walking a bit taller into the office. Men are no longer just sitting back and holding their girlfriends purse. They themselves are enthralled by shopping and tying their own identity to it. Men see women and get aroused by what they wear, which is probably why some women dress the way they do. But what is not to say that men do the same and dress to attract women? Bottom line, both males and females find their identities through shopping. Another thing Norton addresses is that catalogs and brands such as Polo can be indirectly geared towards one specific type of person. Semiotics plays a major role here. Norton says “it naturalizes class distinctions and covertly, racism.” That can feel intimidating to a shopper. Polo embodies class and richness, but the hidden meanings behind it are that of arrogance and something unobtainable.

arturo rios
9/11/2013 03:31:48 am

Shopping is a subversive activity because it gives woman the authority and power to manipulate money however they want, by going shopping. The practice of shopping is no longer a women’s chore but a occasion for women to escape the confines of their homes. It also isolates women from their families by taking their own time for themselves in the company of their friends while shopping meaning that they can exchange information, experiences or ideas about life without the husband’s presence while he is at work.
This subversive activity is hereditable because daughters from such woman that have tendency to go shopping will influence on the kid and eventually when she grows up, will have the same tendency.
Shopping is also a subversive activity because women enjoy it and shop for pleasure due to the fact that by the action of buying they exercise authority over property that law and custom may deny her. Meaning that times husbands may not want them to buy certain stuff but will always find a way to do it so it can benefit them and also get away with it stating that they also have authority it over the money because of the housewife role they have.
For men it represents a type of mild rebellio0n against their will because woman exercise through this activity their authority which they enjoy to do so because men do not like shopping and choose the groceries, therefore woman takes control of the money by buying what they want having man right in front of them unable to speak or do anything because women administrate the house.
Shopping is an influencing activity that can be trespassed to the kids due to its popularity which can be seen on t.v or learn from their parents which in this article mentions women. If a girl in companionship of her mom goes shopping she will learn why mom enjoys shopping and how does she exercises authority and will also want to perform this activity later on.

Rosario Vazquez
9/11/2013 04:03:43 am

In a society where women are dependent of their husband, women emphasize their authority and show to be subversive through shopping. According to Anne Norton, in her article the signs of shopping, women may feel at ease from their everyday lives, since they are the ones who attend their families. Women also refuge on shopping, by acquiring private time apart from their husbands and it’s also the moment were they get to interact with their comrades. Moreover, “If she has no resources independent of her husband, this may be the only authority over property she is able to exercise.” (Norton, 106) In other words, the purchases a woman makes can be the only “resources” she can call her own, for in several occasions, men are the ones who obtain control over all the property, such as cars, house etc.
Shopping for girls, especially adolescents may be fascinating, since they are the ones who like to gain attention from surrounding. They are also the ones who are into fashion and like to take part of it. Also, as Norton implies, “In prowling the mall they embed themselves in a lexicon of American culture.” In other words, they took part of the American culture simply by spending time in the mall.
As the wallet carriers, shopping for men may be a negative action, since instead of gaining money they are losing money. It mall also seem boring for them since women often times may spend hours at the mall analyzing an entire store with patience. However, in our present society, there are also men who care about their appearance so they may not find it as obnoxious as other men.
In the other hand, shopping for boys may either be exciting or absurd since, they also like to take part of the American culture. Most adolescent boys, also care about their appearance since they are in the stage of dating.

Gladys Pereira
9/11/2013 04:24:48 am

Blog Response #4
In "The Signs of Shopping" Norton's view of a "subversive" activity for women leaves control over property in a man's hands. For example, if a woman is married and her husband is working and she has to do everythingat home. When she has time for herself she goes out with her friends to have a good time when they arrive to a mall or somewhere they know it will be nice the woman who has spend her life cleaning and being a house wife plans to buy something nie for herself. When she finds what she likes she buys it even without consulting with her husband it makes her feel like she has the power over everyhting around her. The meaning for shopping for men is sometimes a good feeling because they can buy new pair of shoes and a new cologne. So when they go out they can look really good. In other cases shopping for men its a waist of money they think it made not be worthy buy really expensive cloth, shoes and cologne because they work so hard to get that money and in a quick second it will all be gone by buying just one pair of shoes. The experience of shopping for men, boy and girls can be thrilling. They seek out items that can identify them and they can related too. They might of seen it on a celebrity or on a magazine so they go out and look for it so the can buy it and make them feel happy. For example, a man sees a nice suit on a display of a magazine. He see's its really nice and will suit him well for a job interview or a formal dinner date he goes and and seek out to find it when he try's it on it makes him feel like a brand new man. Just like boys and girls while their going to school they are seeking out to find themselfs so they go shopping for new cloths or items that can identify who they truly are or that can fit to a crowd of people to become visible to them. They will go shopping every single time they feel the need to buy new items to find the right image for themselfs.

Jeobana Gutierrez
9/11/2013 08:15:46 am

Norton describes women shopping activity as “subversive,” because it is a way women get away from their chaotic chores from home to enjoy themselves and the companionship of their girl friends. He believes that woman enjoy going to the mall because not only do they buy themselves commodities and interact with their friends but also they go without their husband. Shopping and interacting with friends to exchange their thoughts, advice, shopping skills, reflection, advice, etc. Norton believes that a woman going shopping has constructed their identity to be the ones more prone to shop and make the shopping industry so popular because men wouldn’t be involved in this activity. He also believes that woman feel more independent and build their identity by going shopping alone and buying themselves commodities that they knew their husbands wouldn’t approve or they tend to buy things and not let their husbands know about it. Norton also points out that when woman go shopping they would only take their daughters, inducing them into the whole shopping trend; it is all a circle. Overall, when women go shopping is time they spend stress free, far from the daily routine of being at home, being away from their families, and overall without being with their husband. The time woman spend in the malls is very pleasant for every woman.
I think that also for men going shopping might mean a way to have some type freedom. Although shopping does not impact men’s life as much as it does for woman. I think that some men do not enjoy shopping and therefore prefer to do it alone and fast. I think if a man goes to the mall is either to go buy something they really need without taking hours as if they were to go with their wife, or if they want to buy a present for somebody special. I think that talking about today’s society men also would go to the mall to see the latest trends on shoes, hats or clothes to keep up with their friends and show off their style. But, shopping for men does not impact or build their identity as it does to woman.
For girls, I think shopping means a lot to them because is something they grew up seeing with their mothers. Adolescences especially girls spend a great amount of time at the malls just for fun even when they do not buy anything. I think that for girls too shopping builds their character and identity. Since they often buy whatever is in trend and helps them keep up with the latest fashion and with their friend’s looks or to obtain their favorite artists looks. Also, I think that for girls going shopping can be a good excuse to spend some good time with their friends especially girl friends to chick chat and enjoy a meal or a movie after a long shopping day. I think that like woman girls too find shopping a great way to get away from the problems they might be having at home. I think this is because girls might find shopping as way that can help them clear their minds and give them more thinking to do on deciding what to buy that makes no space for them to think about the personal problems they might have. I have heard most of my girl friends including myself that they go shopping to get all the stress away or just to make them feel better and get them in a better mood. I go shopping when I’m feeling down and it really does help me out. I believe girls can find shopping very pleasant as well as women do.
Shopping for boys as for men I believe it does not have a great impact in their lives. I think boys would only go shopping if it is necessary or if they want to buy something special for their mothers, sisters or girlfriends. Boys would also go shopping if they need a new pair of shoes especially if their favorite brand of shoes is coming up with a new style or if they want to buy a new hat or snapback or something they need for their everyday wear. However, I think that the experience of shopping can be exciting for men and boys now days.

Aaron Yim
9/11/2013 08:23:59 am

In Norton’s point of view for women’s activity is shopping because they shop to find identity and enjoyment of friendship without their husband. In addition, females shop because they escape from reality and would spend money to gain power.
Shopping for men, are quite different because males would not escape from reality or try to gain power through shopping. Males would buy what they want and leave instead of looking window to window. Men do like shopping because to dress formal but does not have the same relationship as women.
Shopping for girls and boys seek for identity because nowadays, girls and boys look at what kind of clothing, purses, phones, etc.. they have. Especially for teen girls take this seriously because once the mother has introduced shopping and fashion. Teenage girls would want to look just like the model in the advertisement that reveals beauty in this society.

9/11/2013 09:51:17 am


From Norton’s perspective shopping is a subversive activity for women because it allows them to express themselves without needing approval from her husband. Whether it is shopping for household items, clothes for her family, or personal items, she has the ultimate say so in what she consumes. Women did not have say so or authority in anything else other than shopping, which caused them to be dependent in every other way. For example, most people have a particular subject in which they are most comfortable and proficient in, and that tends to be the subject in which they succeed. And ones you don’t feel so strongly about, tend to struggle in that particular subject. Women are considered advanced in shopping as oppose to men.

Shopping means the same for all, Men, women, boys and girls. Shopping provides a way to express oneself on an individual level. Most people tend to only shop for what they like or the item, product or brand that they prefer. One might say that Galaxy 3 or better than the Samsung Note 2, either way it is a choice, and ones choice depends on how they personally perceive or feel about a particular subject, item, brand, TV show, or genre of music.

9/11/2013 10:07:51 am

Shopping for women is a subversive action for women because they feel as though they have power over a curtain action and decision. Men let their women to go grocery shopping, cloths shopping and exc. and the women feel a sense of power during those few hours. They are able to pick and debate not only the choice of what they want but also understand the budget of the house. Shopping, not only for power over the house, but also a place to relax and spend a little time on themselves and also enjoy the company of other women. In The Signs of Shopping, Anne Norton explains “it has long been the occasion for women to escape the confines of their homes and enjoy the companionship of other women.” In other words the mall or any shopping aria for women is a time out form home life and other stress. As for men, they do not enjoy shopping. It is said that men go into the store, find what they need and get out as quick as possible. Teenagers, both girls and guys, love the world of shopping. They go out and enjoy the company of other teens and also see all the new styles. Not only see, they also buy all the new styles and try to keep up with the world of fashion. Advertisements and models grab the attention of girls. Yes girls like to shop but they spend more time in the mall then they do spending money. The mall is a great place to hang out for all ages. For teenagers shopping has an entire different meaning to it. When they see a model, actor or any remodels that is wearing a curtain brand or item they want to obtain and buy the same items so that they could also look like them and feel sexy, and good about themselves.

9/11/2013 10:54:18 am

Shopping is a subversive activity for woman because they feel independent, and more dominant on their own in the amount of time they spend at the mall. Women are in control or feel that they have control because they are aware of the home budget they can spend and buy the things that are necessary to buy. Although, men, girls and boys are not like that, men usually don’t like staying in the mall for a long amount of time. And girls and boys are teens who just like going to stores to buy the things they need and check out what’s new. Sometimes boys and girls go out to the malls just to hang out and have fun.

Ashli Lilly
9/11/2013 05:30:35 pm

My overview of the reading “The signs of shopping” – in the book “Signs of life in the USA” sums up Anne Norton’s view of shopping being a “submersive” activity for women by stating that in any culture worldwide you will always find that the activities women enjoy which put them in control are typically activities that they repeat on a regular basis and more frequently. Especially environments that not only make women feel authoritative in regards to your own personal life or relationships but also can give them influence over forming their own identities as well as contributing to the identity formation of others. The activity that plays so well into a woman’s life in many facets from emotional to physical is simply shopping. Shopping eliminates the constraints of domestication temporarily while also allowing her to indulge in her own private freedoms as a way to claim stake to her own existence. Therapy is a great way to describe the pleasures of shopping. Hence the term “retail therapy”.

I believe that everyone has his or her own individual shopping experience. For example the shopping experience for an adult woman as opposed to the shopping experience for a young girl will be different. Yes, they will both have the same physical experiences from petting the clothes that they enjoy to that scientific attraction that guides us to the right side but they will not have the same treatment in terms of things like customer service. An adult woman will be marketed a spectrum of products and services that cater to her lifestyle. The customer service that comes with items will also be drastically different in terms of how the sales rep behaves. More petting may be encouraged with the adult woman however with younger girls petting may not be as acceptable. In most cases the younger child probably wont be able to actually complete the purchase therefore a more aggressive approach might be used toward the adult while a mild approach is used on the child.

This same concept is somewhat similar with men. When speaking in the language of marketing, most retailers seem to provoke the interest of the adult male less often in the retail market. Much speculation surrounds the theories as to why male buyers aren’t as sought after as women buyers however it is agreed upon collectively that a strong feminine present does support the market.

ARTURO RIOS
9/12/2013 07:26:22 am

Shopping is a subversive activity because it gives woman the authority and power to manipulate money however they want, by going shopping. The practice of shopping is no longer a women’s chore but a occasion for women to escape the confines of their homes. It also isolates women from their families by taking their own time for themselves in the company of their friends while shopping meaning that they can exchange information, experiences or ideas about life without the husband’s presence while he is at work.
This subversive activity is hereditable because daughters from such woman that have tendency to go shopping will influence on the kid and eventually when she grows up, will have the same tendency.
Shopping is also a subversive activity because women enjoy it and shop for pleasure due to the fact that by the action of buying they exercise authority over property that law and custom may deny her. Meaning that times husbands may not want them to buy certain stuff but will always find a way to do it so it can benefit them and also get away with it stating that they also have authority it over the money because of the housewife role they have.
For men it represents a type of mild rebellio0n against their will because woman exercise through this activity their authority which they enjoy to do so because men do not like shopping and choose the groceries, therefore woman takes control of the money by buying what they want having man right in front of them unable to speak or do anything because women administrate the house.
Shopping is an influencing activity that can be trespassed to the kids due to its popularity which can be seen on t.v or learn from their parents which in this article mentions women. If a girl in companionship of her mom goes shopping she will learn why mom enjoys shopping and how does she exercises authority and will also want to perform this activity later on.

Jose Gomez
9/12/2013 02:45:16 pm

Norton's article The Signs of Shopping, explains how shopping is a subversive past time that makes women feel power through purchasing a product. Since their providers the husbands, work and have the money and are the ones that support the family. Women through shopping in malls, get to spend time and usually go or meet with friends away from home and family. Also I don't know that is a fact or not, but more often than not women go groceries shopping as well since they are the ones making the decisions when it comes to the kitchen. Over time though this behaviors have changed significantly, since now women are more independent and most have jobs and can provide for themselves, without having a partner and a lot of times as single women with a kid or occasionally even two.
As said by Norton "especially the astute and observant adolescents, acquire a facility with the language of commodities". Through watching other adolescents shop, they see what's popular and what is in style. Adolescent girls or teens, usually go with what is in trend. What I have noticed though, is that growing up in the 90's girls did not dress the way they do know. Because even now teenager (girls), dress more provocative and the biggest contributor is the media or they watch on TV. There are different kinds of styles, like the Rockers, the Skaters, Stoners, the well dressed ones just to name a few.
Man also have a store/s where they can buy something. Also there are the electronics, that we man love so much to watch sports or the classic store or two with video games at most malls. Usually though unlike women, men mainly shop at sports stores. Most of the time identifying to a specific sport, team, or player. Then there is also options for clothing, and of course men too when shopping do look at brands. That part I think is the same on men and women, logos that represent or show what the consumer identifies with the most or just the style of it. To use myself as an example, I being a guy, my jean preference is Levis because I feel comfortable in them and yes I do like the way the material feels. I don't now that I look good wearing Levis or not, I just like jean and that's good enough for me.

Steven Diermissen
9/13/2013 04:52:01 pm

The effects of shopping are different for everyone and depend on the person’s age and gender. Women often use shopping as a means to escape the confines of the home, and spend time away from their husbands and children, to relax and in socialize with other women. They would often exchange ideas and advice with one another. Women gained a temporary sense of freedom and power when they go out shopping, which translates today as women feel the need to be independent. University of Pennsylvania professor of political science Anne Norton states in her article “The Signs of Shopping that “When she [a woman] spends money, she exercises an authority over property that law and custom may deny her.”(Maasik 106) Women also use shopping as a way to find their identities, furthering their strive for independence and subverting the social customs of power.
Teens, especially girls, utilize the time used shopping in order to find an identity they can claim for themselves. They also use the time to socialize with their friends if they don’t purchase anything. Shopping for men, however, has almost no significance as it becomes an ordeal they have to go through to obtain the merchandise they may require or want. Men tend to take as little time as possible when shopping. Men, however, do tend to find a look that they themselves can claim just like the women and teens.
Shopping, in recent decades, is not limited to going to the store anymore. With advancements in technology, people can opt to order by phone or log on to the store’s website to purchase the products they want. People can even have their goods delivered to their homes.

9/14/2013 02:03:02 pm

“The housewife that shops for pleasure takes time away from her husband, her family, and claims it for herself,” says Anne Norton on The Signs of Shopping. It’s easy to forget that women were once dependent on the amount of freedom and money that our husbands provided for us. If a young woman did not have a husband it was of upmost urgency that she got one, after all according to Norton women “Could not represent themselves through commodities without the funds men provided.” This all might seem a foreign concept to modern women but the reality is that our equal rights are still fairly new. In different times it was “bad form” for women to go out and pursue a career. Our entire lives and identities revolved around our husbands and shopping was a way for a woman to step out of the housewife role and see herself as an individual with the means to walk about town with her friends and not have to worry about doing laundry, changing diapers, or fixing dinner. She was able to be single again and to have her own opinions aside from her husband’s. Amongst women a woman can breath easier and feel at eye level with everyone in the room. For the most part men were not only the breadwinners, but also the ones that “knew” politics, handled finances, had careers, and in some cases had traveled the world. Shopping became an escape from the constant reminder of the social order at the time, and it symbolized a bit of rebellion, as women would occasionally make purchases that were not cleared by their husbands. It gave them a feeling of control and a sense of ownership of their own identities as a result. Women would often bring their children on their shopping trips. This not only served as a social setting for their daughters but also as a way of passing down the “secret” of what shopping meant. It was about empowerment. Their mothers held and managed money in their presence. They controlled what was purchased. In this way their daughters would recognize their mothers in a different setting.

Nowadays gender roles are flexible. Men cook, clean, work, and shop for their own clothes and their sons learn by example. Small boys are a demographic of their own. They see dad buying stylish clothes and they want to look like him, they watch commercials on television and they make a choice to ask for it. In a way shopping is also becoming a subversive activity for men. They can now be free to dress how they want without having to live by a code or a social standard. This example was passed down from generations. It took time for men to get where they are today.

9/15/2013 06:36:33 am

Anne Norton’s view that shopping is a subversive activity for women is an interesting one. We see that women love to shop. I would classify gay males in this category. Actually she should study the shopping habits of gay males too. That would an interesting signs of shopping topic. I digress. Shopping for women is a sport it seems they like to get the best deals, they go in groups and they have control over the situation. They like to bargain. It’s almost like it’s really a control thing or a power trip thing for them. They love to shop. As for men, men that I know hate shopping (heterosexual ones). They know they are going to the store for, they go, they get it, they leave. As for the younger generation….. The girls, the girls go to the mall to socialize to hang out, to look around, unless they are rich they are not normally buying but they are looking and know what they want. As for boys, I know when I was kid, shopping was a painful experience for me, it still it is, I don’t fit in the gay stereotype that gay men love to shop. I think it has something to do with my mother loving to shop and I dreaded going with her shopping. But shopping definitely gives the women power over the money, the product, etc.

Ben Huh
9/15/2013 05:02:50 pm

According to Anne Norton, shopping can be a subversive activity for women for a few different reasons. When women wanted to socialize with their female companions, away from their husbands, a lot of them turned to the shopping mall. This new-found feeling of freedom away from home was much preferred and enjoyed by women rather than the traditional, as Norton writes, “Constantly taught that social order and her private happiness depend on intercourse between men and women”. Once at the mall, women started to construct their own identities by possessing fashionable items afforded through their husbands’ means. When women spend their husbands’ money, she “exercises an authority over property that law and custom may deny her”. Even though the money might belong to her husband, she feels a sense of ownership and false independence when she spends it. To own these items meant you were portraying a certain representation or image of yourself to the public. This made women the consumer and focal point of the market place.
Shopping for all people is a way of expressing one’s self in terms of likes, interests, wants, and needs. When a girl goes shopping, it could mean that she is shopping for the latest outfit. It might also mean that, not only is she purchasing something, she is forming a “well-developed sense of the significance of those commodities” she comes across at the mall. Other people purchase items they can display to show their social status in today’s society. Less privileged people might shop based on basic needs and not indulge in luxuries or things that are not affordable to them. Whatever the reason for one’s shopping may be, we are all expressing, practicing, and contributing to our American culture.

Larissa Figueroa
9/15/2013 06:29:55 pm

According to the article "The Signs of Shopping" by Anne Norton, shopping is a subversive activity for women because it helps them to create an identity while it empowers them. She believes that on the times that women had no say this was the only escape they had from their regular duties such as home, children and husband. She states that women obtain a feeling of power when they decide what they want to do with the money that their husbands give them. Another reason she gives is that through shopping women socialize with each other, and that when women visit the malls, they can give each other advice, support and listen to one another. Thus, they empower themselves through talking. Also, these women bring their daughters along with them, which unconsciously turns these little girls into consumers at young age. The girls spend a great amount of their time at the shopping mall even though they might not buy anything, but this place starts to push them believing how they have to look these places practically chose an identity for these growing women. Honestly, I don't see how shopping makes women powerful when they are not spending their own money. They are just depending on their husbands. I don't see any empowerment on this behavior from women. Clearly, men are the ones who provide them with the money, which means that they could withdraw whenever they please, so where is the empowerment here? This women come to this places to talk to each other about their daily lives and their daughters are there listening to them. They will grow up to be just like their mothers shopaholics dependent on their husband's monetary support. According to the author, women shopping more results in men losing their power over their wives.

Albert Virgen
9/17/2013 03:32:12 pm

Shopping has been seen as a subversive activity because it takes women out of their “place”. Women were at one point in time the sole caretakers of the household, and the children. When they go shopping it is not only to buy items and go home, because nowadays it can be done online, but rather to converse and spend time with friends and/or acquaintances. It is a time to get away from the daily duties and responsibilities and enjoy the time being spent with oneself engaged in an activity that is perceived to be completely feminine. The woman is then spending money that law and custom may deny her because for those 2 hours she has complete control of money and property.
Nowadays the concept of shopping being perceived as feminine is no longer true, as the “social norm” that compartmentalizes men into a machismo being that is rough and rigid is slowly dissipating. Men are now wearing fitted shirts that represent the colors worn by women during the spring seasons. “He’s either gay, or European.” It is normal to see men with stylized clothing, haircuts, and jewelry because shopping has now transcended the gender barrier. This is true not only for adults, but also for the teenagers. The Hollister, and Abercrombie era is still alive and strong. Their assortment of metro sexual male models simulates the mascot for these two companies entice the men of our generation into representing that same image.

Johnny Ramirez
9/19/2013 04:05:29 am

Shopping for women is a escape in their lives they may not have much to say. In Anne Norton’s article, the construction of woman's role as one of provision for the needs of the family legitimated her exit. It gives women power, their own identity and claims it for herself. It is a stress relief for them cause of the enjoyment companionship of their friends. They exchange information, ask for advice and receive support. Also, shopping is a “subversive” activity for women because in the past, shopping was a place for women, men didn’t enjoy it. As women shop, this was past down to their daughters to continue this sort of “ritual.” Also another subversion is shopping without buying and bargain sales. The sense of a saleswoman coming up to them “Don’t that today, it will be on sale n Thursday,” gives women a sort of belonging within a group.
Shopping for men usually isn’t a distraction for them. There aren’t many men who go out with their friends and shop. Men seem to know what they want already before they arrive in the store. They purchased the item and leave. To men shopping seems to be some sort of work they need to get out of the way. Young girls and boys these days seem to be more involved in shopping for the fashion trend. At a young age, attention seems to be the characteristic they want in their lives and want to attract people.

Stephanie Cardoza
9/23/2013 01:16:53 pm

Shopping is a subversive activity for women because its a way of having power. Women makes shopping into time for themselves, its a way of escaping their at home duties, kids, stress, etc. Shopping has become into more of a feminine thing that being that women enjoy it more, they go out with friends and enjoy feminine company or just alone time. They have a power and control of what needs to be purchased. Men have become more active into shopping. This is due to the way things are advertised and how it attracts them. A man can see a very elegant suit in a magazine and will be attracted to going out of his way to purchasing it. The idea is the same for kids even, they see a new toy and are going to convince their parents to buy it for them. It all gives the consumer a sense of power and therefore they continue to purchase items.

9/25/2013 12:25:20 pm

“The signs of shopping” – in the book “Signs of life in the USA” sums up Anne Norton’s Shopping is considered subversive for women because it is a moment where they can make decisions with out other people's approval and they have the right to interact with others and meet others as well. no one everything is fun at the mall everyone get has a good time and leave happy. They all buy what they want and they feel that they have the absolute power of the money they have. Everything is advertised so beautifully.For example a pair of jeans, they always use a celebrity of a beautiful woman to model it.They always add false illusions and girls think is okay they believe that wearing something that is in style/fashion will make them look good. Not only this but going shopping is a get away for stress and dealing with husbands. Most of the time girls go shop with other girls because they can go a whole day shopping but a man gets bored easily.Women enjoy looking good and sexy and the mall and shopping centers where they can find anything they want to be beautiful. They love being girly and wearing all these things that make them look good. Man also feel as if they have to look good, most men spend money in things they do not need, they always want to have good shoes good cars. Men love to get attention from girls by having nice cars and clothing. Malls markets and other shopping centers are amazing places to go spend the pay checks. They have food courts,beautiful clothing and sometimes discounts.The truth for this is that it is just all illusions, and advertisements. One way or another they've got to get people to consume.

Mayra Lomas
9/29/2013 06:56:24 pm

In the Article” The sign of shopping, Anna Norton viewed that shopping was a subversive activity for women because women were supposed to be just house wives; this included taking care of kids of the kids and husbands and basically be under the supervision of their husband’s. When women needed to buy the household goods they also need to ask their husbands for their approval. Women did not really need men to shop ,many house wives found their identity when shopping by having time of their own with their friends as well as having the choice of “ power” on what to buy. Women became more independent from men. They could go shopping while their husbands were at work and also make the choices of what to buy without asking for their husband’s approval.
For Girls and boys shopping means freedom. Many teenager like to go to the mall .The mall is the place where teenagers like to socialize with others and spend time with their friends. It is the place where they could be free and not judged. By shopping teenagers also find their identity .They could keep up dated with today’s trends.


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    Prof. David Fulton

    I received my MA in English from CSU, Northridge and his .MFA in Creative Writing from CSU, Long Beach. I have  been teaching College English since 2004.. I am a published poet and was recently a Pushcart Prize finalist for my poem "Hubris" In addition to teaching,, I enjoy cooking, figuring out how to garden, going to the gym, researching Shakespeare, and watching MMA. 

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