Overmanufactured: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The prefix 'over-' means too much, while 'manufactured' comes from Latin, meaning 'made by hand' but now often refers to factory production.
• The concept of overproduction became significant during the Industrial Revolution when machines allowed for rapid production.
• 'Manufacture' originally referred to crafting items by hand before evolving to describe mass production in factories.

Economics

• Overmanufacturing can lead to surplus, causing prices to drop due to excess supply.
• In global trade, overmanufactured goods can lead to waste, as unsold products contribute to environmental concerns.
• The phenomenon of planned obsolescence, where products are made to wear out quickly, often ties into overmanufacturing, encouraging constant buying.

Environmental Impact

• Excess production can result in significant waste, contributing to pollution during both manufacturing and disposal.
• The fashion industry exemplifies overmanufacturing, generating waste through fast fashion trends, where clothes are made quickly and discarded.
• Sustainability advocates push against overmanufacturing, promoting mindful consumption and manufacturing practices to reduce the carbon footprint.

Pop Culture

• Movies and merchandise often suffer from overmanufacturing, where sequels and products saturate the market, leading to public fatigue.
• The tech industry frequently faces criticism for overmanufacturing products, with annual upgrades making older versions seem obsolete.
• Overmanufactured collectibles can lose value rapidly as supply exceeds demand, turning once-coveted items into clutter.

Psychology

• Consumers can feel overwhelmed by choices when too many products are available, leading to decision fatigue.
• Overmanufactured goods can create a sense of dissatisfaction among consumers, as quantity doesn't guarantee quality.
• The principle of scarcity suggests that people value items more when they're limited, contrasting sharply with overmanufactured items.