What good is marketing?

So working on an assignment now that won't even be graded....hmm not sure I like that but oh well. It is hard to get started with this, especially when the sun is shining and I just want to go outside and enjoy it. We have to write 600 words about "What good is marketing if people are not buying"; it is a very relevant question these days when the economy is as bad as it is. So how do companies market their products during recession? And how will this affect their brand image later? Will let you know my answer when I am done with the assignment :-)