1.
Introduction/Overview
Introduction
This module focuses on how people maintain extensions of themselves through material possessions and maintenance of particular
lifestyles. In the context of what the society values as needs and wants, this section discusses how an individual acquires goods, the factors that
shape his/her economic decisions, and what these things say about one's sense of self.
This Module begins with a description of the material self and the components of the material self. The motives for acquiring material
possessions are explained, as well as the key roles that media can play in a person’s desire to acquire material possessions.
2. Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes ?⚕
At the end of the module, student should be able to:
1. Develop understanding about the material self.
2. Describe the basic components of the material self.
3. Discuss the in\uence of media in people’s acquisition of material possession of material possession.
4. Develop qualities of a wise buyer.
3. The Material/Economic Self
CONTENT
Understanding about the Material Self.
The material self, according to William James
James, pertains to the objects, places, or even people which have the label “mine”. Such
possessions are viewed as extensions of individuals' identities.
Furthermore, the self is everything that an individual considers to be his or hers, not only his or her body and material possessions but also
his or her reputation and beliefs.
The role of material Possessions on the sense of self and identity.
The basic component of material self of a person’s possession including the body, family, clothes, money, house, car and other tangible
objects make up his or her material self. The material including, house, car, and other tangible objects make up his or her material self.
Regardless of how much or how little material possession people have, they remain valuable because these possessions are symbolic of one’s
social status.
Ones sense of self and identity is in\uential on how an individual chooses to purchase his or her wants and he or she makes economic
decisions that will address his or her personal and social needs.
However, the desire for material possession also have negative effects on one’s sense of self and identity. Materialism refers to giving
more importance to material possessions, the tangible values and is the importance that people give to material possession over intangible
values. A materialistic person is excessively concerned with the acquisition of material possessions.
THE Body
The basic component of the material self includes the body
body. Generally, girls are more concerned about the appearance of their body than
boys.
The Clothes that we WEAR
Another component of the material self is the clothes that people wear. Clothes represent the self. The style and brand of clothes become
signiacant symbols, particularly among adolescents.
The inZuence of media in people acquisition of material possessions.
Developmental evidence suggests that identiacation with material things begins quite early in life but remains high throughout life as
people seek for happiness. Belk, 1998. Nevertheless, psychologist implicated in the etiology of materialism. People are exposed to implicate in
the etiology of materialism. People are exposing to images in television, the internet, and magazines that brag about the importance of material
possessions such as branded clothes, mobile phones, cars, and the like. Lack or loss of these material possessions could lead to anxiety,
insecurity, and depression in people who are overly materialistic. Thus, when a person is about to make a purchase, he or she should ask himself
or herself a very important question: Do I really need this?
The Difference between the Wants and the Needs
Consumer Culture.
Consumer culture can be broadly deaned as a culture where social status, values, and activities are centered on the consumption of goods
and services. In other words, in consumer culture, a large part of what you do, what you value and how you are deaned revolves around
your consumption of stuff. Consumerism is the consumption of material goods and services in excess of one’s basic needs. Consumerism is
closely tied to materialism. Both heavily in\uence the way individuals view the self. It can be viewed positively and negatively. For instance, people
tend to be happier and more motivated when their wants and needs are met.
From:: Prof. Helga Dittmar, Professor of Social Applied Psych./Author
To develop qualities of a wise buyer it discourages people to buy products and services that they do not really need or afford. The state of
needs and wants tends to be endless, and thus could cause negative effects such as dissatisfaction, unhappiness, and depression.
