Materialism

Definition

Materialism is the belief that physical matter and possessions are the most important aspects of life, and that having and acquiring material goods is the primary source of happiness and fulfillment. It is the tendency to be overly concerned with material wealth and physical possessions rather than with spiritual or intellectual development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Materialism is often associated with the pursuit of wealth, status, and material possessions as a means of achieving happiness and social standing.
2. The rise of mass media and advertising in the 20th century has been a significant driver of materialistic values and consumerist behavior.
3. Materialism can lead to a focus on extrinsic rather than intrinsic sources of fulfillment, potentially contributing to feelings of dissatisfaction and a lack of meaning.
4. Materialistic values have been linked to negative outcomes, such as increased debt, decreased well-being, and strained social relationships.
5. The concept of the 'American Dream,' which emphasizes the pursuit of material success and prosperity, is closely tied to the prevalence of materialistic values in American culture.

Review Questions

• Explain how materialism is reflected in the production and consumption of popular entertainment during the era of prosperity in the 1920s (Topic 24.1).
  • Materialism was a dominant feature of the 1920s, a period of economic growth and rising consumerism in the United States. The production of popular entertainment, such as Hollywood films, music, and radio programs, catered to and reinforced materialistic values. These forms of entertainment often glamorized the pursuit of wealth, luxury, and material possessions as a means of achieving happiness and social status. The growing middle class had more disposable income to spend on entertainment, further fueling the production of content that emphasized the importance of material success and the acquisition of material goods.
• Analyze how the concept of the 'American Dream,' which emphasizes material prosperity, is connected to the prevalence of materialistic values in American culture (Topic 28.3).
  • The 'American Dream' is closely tied to the prevalence of materialistic values in American culture. This concept, which emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizes the idea that through hard work and determination, individuals can achieve material success, financial security, and a high standard of living. The American Dream has become synonymous with the pursuit of material wealth, homeownership, and the accumulation of material possessions as markers of success and social status. This emphasis on material prosperity has contributed to the widespread adoption of materialistic values, where the acquisition of material goods is seen as a primary means of achieving happiness and fulfillment. The pervasiveness of this mindset has shaped cultural norms, consumer behavior, and the production of popular entertainment in the United States.
• Evaluate the potential negative consequences of the prevalence of materialistic values in American culture, particularly in relation to the American Dream and its emphasis on material success (Topics 24.1 and 28.3).
  • The prevalence of materialistic values in American culture, particularly in relation to the American Dream and its emphasis on material success, can have significant negative consequences. The pursuit of material wealth and possessions as the primary means of achieving happiness and fulfillment can lead to a neglect of other important aspects of life, such as personal relationships, spiritual growth, and intellectual development. This can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a lack of meaning. Additionally, the focus on material success can drive individuals to engage in unsustainable levels of debt, overconsumption, and a disregard for the environmental impact of their actions. This can have broader societal implications, such as increasing economic inequality, social isolation, and a decline in overall well-being. Addressing the negative aspects of materialism and promoting a more balanced and holistic understanding of the American Dream is crucial for fostering a more fulfilling and sustainable culture.

Related terms

Consumerism: The theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable and leads to a higher standard of living.

Hedonism: The pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification as the highest good and principal aim in life.

Commodification: The process of turning things into marketable commodities, often by emphasizing their exchange value over their use value.