Vance Packard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vance Oakley Packard
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| Born | May 22, 1914 Granville Summit, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | December 12, 1996 (aged 82) Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Education | Pennsylvania State University Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism |
| Occupation | Journalist, social critic, and author |
| Spouse(s) | Virginia Matthews |
| Children | 2 sons, 1 daughter |
| Parent(s) | Philip J. Packard Mabel Case Packard |
Vance Oakley Packard (born May 22, 1914 – died December 12, 1996) was an American journalist and a social critic. This means he wrote about problems in society. He wrote many books, including The Hidden Persuaders and The Naked Society. He often wrote about how people buy things, a topic called consumerism.
Early life and education
Vance Packard was born on May 22, 1914. His hometown was Granville Summit, Pennsylvania. His parents were Philip J. Packard and Mabel Case Packard.
From 1920 to 1932, he went to public schools in State College, Pennsylvania. His father managed a dairy farm there. This farm belonged to the Pennsylvania State College. Vance often called himself a "farm boy" even later in life.
In 1932, he started studying at Pennsylvania State University. He earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1936. After that, he worked briefly for a local newspaper. In 1937, he earned his master's degree in journalism. He studied at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Career as a writer
Packard started his career as a reporter in 1937. He worked for the Boston Daily Record. Around 1940, he became a reporter for the Associated Press. In 1942, he joined The American Magazine as an editor. Later, he became a staff writer for the magazine.
When The American Magazine closed in 1956, Packard started writing for Collier's. After Collier's also closed, he decided to write his own books. In 1957, his book The Hidden Persuaders was published. It became very popular. This book helped him become a full-time social critic. He gave lectures and wrote more books.
Vance Packard was known for criticizing consumerism. He believed that buying too many things was changing the traditional American way of life.
The Hidden Persuaders
The Hidden Persuaders was first published in 1957. In this book, Packard looked at how advertisers used psychology. They used special research to understand what makes people want to buy things. This included using deep psychological ideas and even hidden messages. Their goal was to make people want products, especially after World War II.
Packard pointed out eight "compelling needs" that advertisers promised their products would meet. These needs included feeling safe, feeling important, feeling creative, and feeling loved. He believed these needs were so strong that people would buy things just to satisfy them.
The book also talked about how these methods were used to promote politicians. Packard also questioned if it was right to use such powerful techniques.
Many regular people bought the book, and it was a bestseller. However, some marketing and advertising experts criticized it. They said it was too dramatic and did not have enough proof.
Personal life
Vance Packard was married to Virginia Matthews. They had two sons and one daughter. They lived in New Canaan, Connecticut and later in Martha's Vineyard. Vance Packard passed away in 1996 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.
See also
- History of advertising
- History of marketing
- Marketing research
In Spanish: Vance Packard para niños
