Why People Buy: The Sociology and Psychology of Consumers

Quarters
Summer Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Emre Ulusoy

Why do people buy certain products, follow particular brands, or adopt new trends? This course explores the psychological and sociological forces shaping consumer behavior in contemporary culture and everyday life. Drawing on sociology, psychology, and marketing, students examine how identity, culture, and social influence shape consumer decisions and consumption practices. Through discussions, case studies, and applied activities, we analyze topics such as consumer motivation, persuasion, consumer identity, digital consumption, influencer culture, and sustainable consumption. Students investigate real-world consumer phenomena and develop insights into how markets, media, and social structures influence what people buy and why.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Business: Marketing and Consumer Behavior

Registration

Course Reference Numbers
First Session (4): 40146

Academic Details

business, marketing

4
25
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Summer
2026
Open
Hybrid (Su)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Day and Evening
Schedule Details
Olympia