THE MATERIAL SELF

• Materialism purports that all that is found in the universe is matter which
is the substance of nature. It suggests therefore that material possession
is all that matters most. Success, happiness and the essence of
individual existence are gauged by material prosperity which one has
gained in a lifetime.

• Western cultures have encouraged materialism among people now as

they seek for happiness and life satisfaction. The pursuit of happiness is
largely anchored on what we can buy, how quick we can adapt to the
changes in technology as well as how well we can keep pace with the
status quo.

• The capacity to spend has become the fundamental standard to show

power, control and happiness for being able to acquire whatever you
materially desire to acquire.
• As human nature dictates we are blinded by the growing consumerism
and commercialism around us. Our self esteem, as well as self-worth,
has been greatly determined by our accumulation of objects. This
behaviour is often enforced by social media as we post daily statuses.

Reasons for Materialism

• Material possessions provide several effects on individual whether it is
personal, intellectual or emotional. Varied motivations agitate individual
to pursue more and amass more of the money, vehicles, jewelry and the
like regardless of their realistic needs.
Consumerism is motivated by the following reasons:
1. It is alleged that material possessions provide these individuals with a
feeling of security as their money and property provide them with
tangible assets.
2. It is alleged that wealth gives them a sense of well-being as they
alleged that material wealth provides them with happiness.
3. It is alleged that material wealth boosts their self-esteem and self-
confidence as they believe that they possess those assets that everybody
has.
4. It is alleged that cherished wealth provides individual with more friends
and relationships through greater interaction.

The Concept of Self -Gift

• The self is the primary object of one’s journey through life. The act and
behavior of collecting goods and providing gifts to the self is considered
as materialism. This is the way to communicate with the self as
influenced by one’s culture and immediate environment.
Three factors determine that self-gifts are revelations of an individual’s
materialism:
1. Materialism is often associated with self-centeredness. Self
centeredness means prioritizing the self while showing lack of empathy on
the plight of others.
2. Materialists define success according to how much wealth and
property was amassed. They have tendency to define success in terms of
the quality and amount of one’s acquired wealth.
3. Materialists believe that happiness results from the relationship
between buying and consumption. Self gift can be a source of intense
happiness among materialists. Self gift prevents negative emotions such as
depression, emptiness and sadness as it provides therapy to the materialist.
The Correlates of Materialism
1. Materialism and happiness reportedly do not go well together as it was
shown that people who value possessions and material wealth over other
more significant life goals are said to be less happy and are more prone to
depression.
2. Materialism and self-esteem show an inverted relationship. The desire of
much material possessions manifests low self-esteem.
3. Materialism and financial stability show an inverted relationship as well.
Spending does not promote sharing and saving.
4. Materialism and well-being manifest opposite relationship as individuals
practicing this principle tend to isolate themselves from the significant
others as they continue to try to derive gratification from amassing
objects other than interacting with the people around them.
5. Materialism and self-concept prove how insecurity motivates people to
work so hard for material possessions as the same wealth becomes their
source of security.
6. Materialism and lack of engagement mean losing one’s ability to
empathize with others as they become callous to other people’s needs.
• Consumer behavior is a consequence of varied factors that bring
about materialism. Material possessions have become an extension of
ourselves and our identity. Our jewelry, signature clothes, cars and the
like have served as a status symbol to show others who we are and what
we can do. The concept on the existence of ‘extended self’
developed from the insight of Russel Belk back in 1988 where he
reiterated that our material possessions are largely a reflection of our
identities.
According to Gregoire (2017) materialism makes people
unhappy for the following reasons:
1. Consumer culture may be harming individual well-being.
2. Materialistic values are linked to Type –A behavior.
3. Money really can’t buy happiness.
4. Materialism could ruin your relationships.
5. Consumer cultures may breed narcissistic personalities.
6. Consumerism is fuelled by insecurity.
The Pursuit of Happiness
Ways to appreciate our own uniqueness and be genuinely joyous about it.
1. Learn to share your blessings no matter how simple it is.
2. Improve your slef-esteem and self-worth by engaging in worthwhile
activities.
3. Learn to communicate and relate with people around you.
4. Take time to appreciate the beauty of life and God’s creations.
5. Be grateful to those who compliment you by returning the favor.
6. Focus on your strengths and not on your flaws.
7. Stop projecting on media accounts about what you have and others do
not.
8. Learn to let go of things that are not significantly needed.
9. Develop a mantra to counter the negativities entering your thoughts.
10.Stop brewing on negativities and on hurtful past. Focus on the future
and what you can do to be productive and happy.