THE MATERIAL AND ECONOMICAL SELF,

SPIRITUAL SELF, THE POLITICAL SELF,

AND BEING A FILIPINO
MODULE 5
 Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Analyze how one’s self is shaped materially and economically

2. Understand the concept of self from spiritual perspective
3. Appreciate the importance of being a Filipino
 Material Self
“The material self is the sum total of all the he can call his, not only his body
and psychic powers, but his clothes and his house, his wife and children, his
ancestors and friends, his reputation and works, his lands and yacht and
bank-account. All these things give him the same emotions. If they wax and
prosper, he feels triumphant; if they dwindle and die away, he feels cast down-
not necessarily in the same degree for each thing, but in much the same way for
all.”
-William James
Composition of Material Self

• BODY
• CLOTHES
• IMMEDIATE FAMILY
• HOME
 Composition of Material Self

BODY
• The inner most part of our material self
• Intentionally, we invest in our body
• We strive to make sure that this body functions
well and good.
• We do have certain preferential attachment to
or intimate closeness to certain parts because of
its value to us.
 Composition of Material Self
CLOTHES
• The style and brand of the clothes becomes a symbolic
significance.
• The fabric and style of the clothes we wear bring sensations to
the body and can affect our attitude and behavior.
• Clothing is a form of self expression.
• We choose and wear clothes that reflects our self.
Color
Psychology

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-color-psychology-khawaja-mubashar-mansoor/
Composition of Material Self
IMMEDIATE FAMILY
• These people are likely to shape and influence the development
of self identity.
• We place huge investment in our immediate family when we
see them as the nearest replica of our self.
• When an immediate family member dies, part of our self dies.
• When their lives are in success, we feel victorious as if we are
the one holding the trophy.
• Pets could also symbolically define a person’s identity.
• Pets could be an expression of one’s social status, pride and
prestige
 Composition of Material Self
HOME
• Our experiences inside the home were recorded and
marked on particular parts and things in our home.
• The home is thus an extension of self, because in it,
we can directly connect ourself.
 The Role of Material Objects in
Self-description and Self-perception

• Self–description
It is the way in which you describe or
talk about yourself to the world.
 The Role of Material Objects in
Self-description and Self-perception

• Self–perception
An awareness of the characteristics that
constitute one’s self; self-knowledge.
 The Role of Material Objects in
Self-description and Self-perception
Materialism and personality

“Materialism is a value that represents the individual’s perspective

regarding the role possessions should play in (a person’s) life.” -
(Richins, 1994 p. 522)

• Materialism is the importance people give on material possession.

• Some with a high level of materialism is called materialistic.
• A materialistic person is excessively concerned with the acquisition
of material possessions.
 The Role of Material Objects in
Self-description and Self-perception
Materialistic traits
• Possessiveness - control or ownership of
possessions
• Nongenerosity - unwillingness to share
• Envy - feelings of hatred or dislike at another
person’s superiority
 Effects of Material Possessions
• Regardless of how much or how little possessions people have,
they are interested in material possessions.
• Possessions can be used as status symbol.
• Material possession can be a reflection of hard work and
success.
• People tend to measure success through material possessions
• Material possessions can make people more motivated to work
harder to achieve them.
• Defining the self by material possessions can also contribute to
feelings of well-being, including a sense of personal growth and
purpose or meaning in life.
 Effects of Material Possessions
• The strong desire for material possessions could have
negative effects.
• Lack or loss of material possessions can be disruptive to the
mental health of some people.
• Lack or loss of material possessions could lead to anxiety,
insecurity, and depression
Extended Self
• Cannot differentiate between me and mine. A product or a
thing becomes a part of personal well - being and it gets
attached to emotions, and sentiments, later becoming the
part of one’s personality.
DO I REALLY NEED THIS?