Materialism

Definition

Materialism is the belief that physical matter is the only reality and that all phenomena, including consciousness, are the results of material interactions. In the context of the 1920s, this philosophy influenced consumer culture as people began to prioritize material possessions and wealth over spiritual values, reflecting a shift in societal norms and values during a time of economic prosperity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1920s saw a significant increase in consumer goods availability, from automobiles to household appliances, which fueled materialistic attitudes.
2. Mass media and advertising became prevalent during this time, promoting the idea that happiness could be achieved through the purchase of material goods.
3. Materialism in the 1920s was reflected in the lifestyle of many Americans, leading to an emphasis on fashion, luxury, and entertainment.
4. The stock market boom of the late 1920s encouraged speculative investments, further entrenching a materialistic mindset among investors and consumers alike.
5. The tension between materialism and traditional values contributed to cultural conflicts, particularly between older generations and the youth embracing modern lifestyles.

Review Questions

• How did materialism manifest in American society during the 1920s?
  • Materialism in American society during the 1920s manifested through an increase in consumer culture where people focused heavily on acquiring goods. This was fueled by mass production techniques and aggressive advertising campaigns that promoted the idea that success and happiness could be attained through material possessions. The desire for cars, appliances, and fashion items became markers of status and identity, leading to significant changes in social dynamics.
• Evaluate the impact of materialism on cultural norms in the 1920s.
  • Materialism had a profound impact on cultural norms in the 1920s by shifting societal values towards prioritizing wealth and consumption over traditional moral values. This era witnessed a cultural shift where leisure activities and consumer spending were celebrated as part of modern life. The influence of jazz music, flapper culture, and extravagant parties reflected a break from conservative practices and embraced a lifestyle focused on enjoyment and material wealth.
• Analyze how materialism in the 1920s set the stage for economic issues that followed in the 1930s.
  • Materialism in the 1920s contributed to economic issues that emerged in the following decade by fostering an environment of overproduction and excessive consumer debt. As people invested heavily in consumer goods without considering their financial sustainability, this led to a speculative bubble that ultimately burst with the stock market crash of 1929. The resulting economic downturn highlighted the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over economic responsibility, contributing to widespread financial hardship during the Great Depression.

Related terms

Consumerism:

A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, often seen in the 1920s with mass production and advertising.

The Roaring Twenties:

A decade marked by economic prosperity, cultural blossoming, and a break from traditional values, leading to an emphasis on leisure and consumption.

Prohibition:

The legal ban on the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933, which was a reaction to changing social norms during the era.