MATERIALISM

Material Self
“Knowingly or
unknowingly,
intentionally or
unintentionally, we
regard our possessions
as parts of ourselves”
(Belk, 1988)
 Materialism
a doctrine that the only or the
highest values or objectives lie in
material well-being and in the
furtherance of material progress
a preoccupation with or stress upon
material rather than intellectual or
spiritual things
 Consumerism
the interests of consumers
should be the most important
factor in a business transaction.
In other words, it is an ideology
that places value on the
excessive consumption of
material goods and services.
Factors influencing Purchasing Behavior
Geographical Family
Wealth/Income Peers
Education Age
Occupation Personality
Positive Impact of Consumerism
More industrial production.
A higher growth rate economy.
More goods and services available.
More advertising since goods manufactured have to be sold.
Increased production will result in more employment
opportunities.
A variety of goods and services to choose from.
More comforts for a better living style.
“'Anyone who believes exponential
growth can go on forever in a finite
world is either a madman or an
economist.‘’
- Kenneth Boulding, 1973.
Negative Impacts of Consumerism
Causes more pollution.
A major contributor to resource depletion.
Leads companies to develop low quality products.
Promotes poor labor standards and pay for
workers.
Does not necessarily lead to increased happiness
beyond a certain point.
Causes more pollution.
Resource Depletion
No more rainforests
Antamok Open Pit
Leads companies to develop low quality products
Promotes poor labor standards and pay for workers.
 List of Companies Implicated in using child labor
Food Clothes Others
Nestle H&M Apple
Hershey’s Forever 21 Disney
Mars Gap Philip Morris
ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Nike Toys R us
Company)
Cadbury Zara Microsoft
Kraft Urban Outfitters
Fowler’s Chocolate Aldo
Crunch Primark
Kit-Kat Adidas
Aero Walmart
Uniqlo
Victoria’s Secret
Aeropostale
La Senza
Companies
That Use
Sweatshops
Reasons to Avoid Consumerism
Less Debt with material possessions
Less time caring for More generosity
possessions More contentment
Less desire to upscale Greater ability to see
lifestyle norms through empty claims
Less environmental impact Greater realization that
Less need to keep up with this world is not just
evolving trends material
Less pressure to impress