I can explain how consumers influence the economy in markets and mixed systems.
I can describe how my own choices affect what is produced and sold.
I can compare the role of consumers in different economic systems.
Inner Outer Circle
Think about this quote and jot a few thoughts down on your handout.
“Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” – Anna Lappé
Form an inner and outer circle.
Discuss with the person across from you for 1 minute.
Move one position to the right and discuss for 1 minute.
Move one more time to the right and discuss once again.
Come back to the whole group and of
1. Consumer decisions drive demand:
In any economy, what people choose to buy affects what is made.
Companies respond to what sells (i.e., “demand”)—if no one buys something, they stop making it.
2. In mixed economies, some services are government-provided:
Services like healthcare, education, police, and postal delivery (e.g., Canada Post) may be run or funded by the government to ensure access for everyone.
These aren’t as dependent on consumer demand, but taxpayer funding plays a role.
3. Consumer spending influences what is produced:
In market sectors, spending is a signal—more purchases = more supply.
Businesses watch consumer habits to decide what to sell, in what quantity, and at what price.
Example: Buying electric cars increases investment in battery technology.
Instructions:
For each scenario, record the answers to the following questions.
Questions:
What kinds of businesses did I support?
Were my choices based on convenience, cost, ethics, local support, etc.?
How might these decisions influence the economy in the short or long term?
“If every dollar you spend is a vote, what kind of economy are you voting for?”
Think about your purchases over the past few days/weeks. This may be something you purchased with your own money or something your parents bought for you. Reflect on one specific item and respond to the following questions on what you bought and explain how that choice supports a certain type of business, service, or value in the economy.
What you purchased
What type of business or service it supported (local, large corporation, eco-friendly, fast fashion, etc.)
What values or priorities your spending reflects (convenience, sustainability, supporting local jobs, etc.)