THE

MATERIAL/
ECONOMIC
SELF
Wendy S. Leonardo
BSED
I SHOP THEREFORE I AM: I HAVE
THEREFORE I AM?
That statement is part of an artwork created
by Barbara Kruger. It describes the the
material consumption in the year 1987.
It came from Rene Descartes’ philosophy of
“I think therefore I am” and she gave it a
twist that fits the idea of material
consumption.
The idea is that, It is not what we think but what we
own that identifies who we are. We became a
society that focuses on “what they have rather than
who they are.” The society gives off a vibe that
material possessions, as well as social image, define
who we are.
 William James suggested that the self is
everything that is considered by the individual as
his or hers. It includes his/her body and his/her
material possessions and beliefs. In conclusion,
the self is compromised of the material self,
manifested by his/her material possessions.
 The Basic Components of the Material self, according to
William James.

1. BODY- The innermost part of the material self. Taking good care of it
will help you experience life to the fullest.

2. CLOTHES- Considered important to people alongside body and

soul. The styles and brands of clothes become symbols that are
representation of the self.
3. MATERIAL COMPONENTS
A. Family and Friends – influence you to your identity.
B. House- A place where many aspects of your life
developed.
C. Cars- considered material possession. Reflect your
wealth and labor.
D. Pets- Could be an expression of one’s social status.
SHAPING THE WAY WE SEE
OURSELVES
THE ROLE OF CONSUMER ON OUR SENSE OF SELF AND
IDENTITY

Describes the consumer as a form of material culture by the market. Through consumer
culture, you are allowed to express who you are by reinforcing them an economic system or
freewill. There is the freedom to choose and be constrained with options offered
commercially.

It is also a system of commercial products. It represents a social arrangement wherein lived

culture, social resources, ways of life, and material resources depend on the market.
● Material possessions are
considered an extension of your
identity. It is who you are, how
you perceive yourself, how others
see you, and the characteristics
describes you.
● It is a fact that we learn,
define, and remind ourselves
of who we are by our
possessions.

● It is a form of self- expression,

happiness, and a reminder of
experiences and
accomplishments.
Materialism refers to giving much importance to material possessions and
excessively being concern with its acquisition. The association of identity to
material possession started at a early stage of life; it is arises from society and
culture.

And social media, play a massive part in the consumption of commercial

products. Through the internet, television, and magazines, endless options of
advertised products are available. Consumerism is the human desire to
acquire products and goods n excess of one’s basic needs.
The consumerist culture involves people. They
mostly spends on things like buying new car, new
gadgets or even trendy clothes, instead of saving up or
investing.
Thank you!