THE

MATERIA
L SELF

JEREMICH G. SERAFICA
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• Develop understanding about the material self

• Describe the basic components of the material self
• Discuss the influence of media in people’s acquisition of
material possessions; and
• Develop qualities of a wise buyer
 THE MATERIAL SELF

What are the components of the material self?

A person’s tangible possessions like his or her car,

house, clothes, even family and friends make up the
material self.
 THE MATERIAL SELF

What is your most prized possession? (in terms of

material possession/s only) and why?
 THE MATERIAL SELF

Let’s have a quick activity:

Provide one word that describes the following pictures

 THE MATERIAL SELF

Are all individuals materialistic? Why?

 THE MATERIAL SELF
According to William James (1980), the self is
everything that an individual considers to be his or
her.
It is not limited to materials for the body, but also
the reputation and beliefs.
 THE MATERIAL SELF

Therefore, the self is composed of the material self

which is the manifestation of one’s identity through
his material possessions.
 The basic component of the material self
includes our body.
 One of the tasks of adolescents is to accept
and appreciate the physical characteristics
of their body.
 Adolescents tend to worry about their
bodies and physical appearances.
 Generally, girls are more concerned about
the appearance of their body than boys.
 Another component of the material self is
clothes, as it represent the self
 House, cars, and pets are also components
of the material self.
 Relationships – psychological connection
 A person’s pet could be an expression of
one’s social status, pride, and prestige.
 THE MATERIAL SELF

Are We What We Own? – Russel Belk (1988)

suggests that material possessions act as an
objective manifestation of the self.
(success/achievements)
 THE MATERIAL SELF

Material possessions can contribute to a feeling of

well-being, including a sense of personal growth
and purpose or meaning in life.
 THE MATERIAL SELF

However, the lack or loss of material possessions

can be disruptive to one’s mental health, like
people losing their houses and other possessions
due to disasters and calamities.
NEEDS AND WANTS

NEEDS: WANTS
 THE MATERIAL SELF

Material possessions posit negative effects on

one’s sense of self and identity.
Materialism – refers to giving more importance to
material possessions than intangible values.
THE MATERIAL SELF

 Strong desire for material

possessions could lead to
psychological dysfunction or
impairment in functioning such as
CBD
 THE MATERIAL SELF

Thus, we should ask ourselves the question “DO I

REALLY NEED THIS?” before we purchase a
product.
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS
PLEASE WATCH THIS SUPPLEMENTAL VIDEO

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTvWfOTxPjM
• Title: This Child Shopaholic Can't Stop Buying
Things | 12-Year-Old Shopaholic | Uniquely Me
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS
FINAL ACTIVITY FOR THIS PERIOD IS A QUIZ ABOUT THE TOPIC DISCUSSED.

• Physical self
• Sexual self
• Material self